Small Business Financial Assistance Applications Due Friday, May 8, by 3 p.m.
Applications will be accepted by email starting Tuesday May 5, 2020 until 3 p.m. Friday May 8, 2020. It is anticipated that 50 grants will be disbursed locally through this program. After the application period closes, businesses will be randomly selected to continue with the grant application process and document verification. All those applicants who are not selected in the first round of funding will be placed on a waiting list and may be eligible to receive funds if funding is available.
Emergency assistance fund payments will be made directly to the service provider (landlord/utility company) on behalf of the business.
Businesses hoping to receive grant money will be expected to follow these eligibility requirements:
- 1) Business must be located within the Watsonville city limits.
- 2) Have a current business license with the City of Watsonville.
- 3) Have $2 million or less in annual gross revenue.
- 4) Businesses that have received SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan are not eligible to apply.
- 5) Non- for profit organizations are not eligible to apply.
- 6) Priority will be given to women and minority-owned businesses.
An online application must be submitted between Tuesday May 5, 2020 and 3 p.m. Friday May 8, 2020. Applications must be received by no later than 3:00 p.m. on Friday to participate in the selection process. Online applications are available at:
Selected applicants will be notified by email by Monday, May 11, 2020, and supporting eligibility documentation must be submitted no later than Thursday, May 14, 2020.
Documentation needed if selected:
- Copy of your 2018 Sch C, or first page of your business tax return (1120s, or 1065) or PL for Jan-Dec 2019.
- Copies of due utility bills (gas, water, electricity).
- Copies of your current lease or rental agreement.
- Copy of applicant owner’s drivers license or California ID.
- Bank statements from March and April 2020.
- Additional demographic data will be required for successful applicants.
For questions about the application and grant process please call El Pajaro Community Development Corporation at (831) 722-1224 or by email at info@elpajarocdc.org
The program is part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) that Congress passed on March 27, 2020, to support preparation for and response to the community impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Additional funding was identified for the City of Watsonville through its Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program.
Grant funds may be used to assist with payment of rent and/or utility payments incurred after March 15, 2020. The CARES Act requires that the city and El Pajaro CDC prevent the duplication of benefits, which means grant funds may not be used to pay businesses expenses/costs if another source of financial assistance is available to pay that cost (i.e. Small Businesses Administration loans).
