Fifty San Luis Obispo businesses will receive $5,000 each thanks to the SLO City Small Business Relief Fund.
The new grant program is designed to help small businesses impacted by the covid-19 pandemic.
Some recipients say they'll use the money to help with operating costs, utilities, rent, payroll, inventory and new equipment. Others said they would hire back employees.
“Our industry is one that has been majorly impacted, so my barbers and I are thrilled to be a recipient," said Jon Elliott of Mike’s Barber Shop. “This grant gives me more stability and hope that I will be able to rebound from this and grow my business back to where it was.”
More than 400 businesses applies to receive the grant, but only 50 were awarded.
“I went completely without income for months at the beginning of the pandemic,” said Carmen Betancourt, owner of Little Bears Daycare. “As a home child care provider, my business and residence serve dual roles, and when one suffers it directly affects the other. I am grateful for this grant and reenergized to continue to serve the working families in our community with quality child care.”
Businesses were selected through a rigorous screening process.
The City of SLO, the Community Foundation of SLO County and SLO Chamber partnered to offer these awards.
Additional rounds of funding have not been scheduled at this time.
If you or your business is interested in donating to the SLO City Small Business Relief Fund, please contact Kaila Anderson at kaila@slochamber.org.
