The City of Grover Beach has awarded a third round of COVID-19 relief microgrants totaling approximately $350,000 to 49 local businesses following an initial round of microgrants awarded in June and another in September. To date, the City has distributed more than $600,000 to a total of 70 Grover Beach businesses this fiscal year to assist them with combating economic setbacks brought about by COVID-19 health restrictions. Priority in this most recent round was given to those industries most impacted by the State’s newest order, such as personal care services and restaurants, as well as to businesses that have not yet received previous grants from the City.

 “I am so pleased that our city has taken this immediate action to help Grover Beach businesses in this time of need,” said Mayor Jeff Lee. “The City is committed to working with local businesses and the Chamber to weather the financial impacts from public health requirements intended to keep our community safe through the COVID-19 pandemic.”

 Similar to the first two rounds of grants, the City once again partnered with the South County Chambers of Commerce to coordinate the grant application and review process. Businesses that have benefited from this third round of Grover Beach microgrants include restaurants and cafes, breweries, spas, salons, retail shops, and manufacturing businesses throughout the city. Since public health and safety is a top priority, each microgrant recipient was required to submit the County’s completed self-certification form for safe reopening while following state and local public health requirements.

 The following 49 businesses have been awarded microgrants under this third round of the program and will each receive up to $7,500 in one-time financial assistance:

Funding for this current round of business assistance microgrants was provided through General Fund reserves, which will be replenished by additional general revenues this fiscal year including from recently passed Measure F-20. The City’s two previous rounds of the program were made possible by a combination of CARES Act funds, SB 1090 Diablo Canyon closure funds, and the General Fund. The City has creatively used both Federal and State funding assistance though the timing and scope of such outside funding is undetermined at this time.

 The City of Grover Beach recognizes the importance of a diverse and healthy local economy, and is committed to implementing economic development strategies that help businesses be successful and expand local employment opportunities. Assisting local businesses that are weathering the hardships from the COVID-19 pandemic through programs such as microgrants is just one of many of Grover Beach’s initiatives to create a business-friendly community and create more jobs and economic opportunities.