Small businesses financially hit by COVID-19 encouraged to apply for final round of relief grant program in Santa Barbara County
SANTA BARBARA COUNTY, Calif. – Romy Chavarria manages the Solvang Shoe Store.
She said business was tough during the pandemic. Now, it has been booming, and things have turned up.
“Every day is different. this morning has been really good and we can have slow days as busy days like the weekends are great for Solvang,” said Chavarria. “The shoe store does very well during this time of year.”
Not all businesses in Solvang have had the same experience.
Pacific Northwest Trading Company has been open for nine years.
Things have been tough for small business owner Maidy Dreyfuss, because of COVID and other natural disasters.
“Life is stressful for everyone who lives in this world today,” said Dreyfuss. “It's a very difficult world for us all to live in.”
Santa Barbara County and the non-profit organization, Santa Barbara Foundation, encourage people like Dreyfuss to apply for the final round of the micro business COVID-19 Relief Grant Program.
“So anyone who was in business or employed for themselves in 2019 and felt, you know, lost income in 2020 because of the pandemic, could get a $2,500 grant,” said Santa Barbara Foundation Director of Marketing and Communications Judith Smith-Meyer. “Which does not need to be repaid.”
To be eligible, residents must have earned less than $50,000 in 2019 and earned at least 10% less from their business in 2020.
Tax returns and a valid ID must be provided.
Types of businesses this program could help include:
Artists, hairstylists, mobile car wash owners, DJs, personal trainers or consultants, household repair service providers, landscapers, childcare providers, house cleaners pet care professionals, graphic designers, photographers, freelance writers and more.
“You don't need to have a business license,” said Smith-Meyer. “There's a lot of paperwork that we have that is not necessary. You just have to show that you had that level of income in 2019, took a loss in 2020, and that you're either still in business or have a solid plan to reopen.”
Workshops will be available this Thursday in Santa Barbara and Santa Maria to help apply for the grants.
"We all rely on people who provide services and own their own small businesses,” said Smith-Meyer. “So it's a value to the entire community to support those who are working for themselves, providing services that many of us need and use."
Dreyfuss hopes to keep her business open, and says she will check out the guidelines if she qualifies for the grant.
“It's getting more difficult for everyone every year just to survive,” said Dreyfuss.
The Santa Barbara Foundation says 60 grants are left to award. the deadline for this application is June 7th.
This program has been extended back in January.
If you want more information or help with an application, click here.
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