The City of San Diego’s Emergency Response Grant for Small Businesses and Nonprofits

The City of San Diego’s Economic Development Department (EDD) will be providing emergency relief grants up to $2,500 per applicant, with a 100% bonus (for a total of $5,000) for applicants located in the Promise Zone, Opportunity Zones, or Low-Moderate Income Census Tracts. EDD will be prioritizing businesses located in under-resourced communities and high-impact storm-affected areas for these grants. Eligible businesses and nonprofits are awarded funding based on a reimbursement basis for documented storm-related expenses incurred. This grant is funded through Small Business Enhancement Program (SBEP) funds, which are intended to provide continuing support to small businesses in recognition of their vital economic, employment, service, and cultural roles, and their importance in sustaining and revitalizing older commercial neighborhoods and adjoining residential areas. SBEP funds are determined from annual Business Tax Certificate collections. The total amount available is approximately $370,000. This grant program will be periodically reviewed and updated based on available funding and participation levels. To be eligible, the applicant must be a commercial occupant of the subject property. The business must meet the following requirements: -Be located within high-impact storm-affected areas within the City of San Diego. -Have an active (paid as of 2/12/2024) City of San Diego Business Tax Certificate (see details at bottom of page). -If a business is not required to have a BTC, it will be required to provide a professional license from a state issuing agency - such as a childcare business. -12 or fewer employees. -Be independently owned and operated. -Priority will be given to businesses and nonprofits located on the ground floor. Applicants are ineligible if any of the following characteristics are true about the business: -Any owners with 20% or more ownership stake have previously applied for this grant. -It is a chain or other restaurant group with seven or more locations;-It is engaged in any illegal activity per local, state or federal regulations. -Primary business activity is lobbying, lending, investment, or insurance; a golf course, racetrack, or gambling facility; or it is a business engaged in performances or sales of products of a prurient sexual nature.