Application Window Opens For Concord Small Business Grant Program

CONCORD, CA — The application period for small business grants from the City of Concord opened Monday, Nov. 7, and closes Nov. 18.

The City of Concord, in partnership with the Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce, is launching a $2 million grant program to help small businesses continue their recovery from the economic strain caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Utilizing $2 million of the remaining $19 million that the City received from the federal government as part of the American Rescue Plan Act, Concord will provide one-time grants of $5,000 to 370 small businesses. The grants will be distributed in two rounds, with one occurring this fall and the other in spring 2023.

In-person office hours to assist applicants with the process will be available in both English and Spanish at the Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce offices (2280 Diamond Blvd Suite 200, Concord) on the following dates:

• Tuesday, Nov. 8, from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m.
• Wednesday, Nov. 9, from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m.
• Tuesday, Nov. 15, from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m.
• Wednesday, Nov. 16, from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m.

The reimbursement grant is intended to help businesses recover typical operating costs such as rent/lease payments, utilities, payroll, inventory, facility repairs, upgrades, and other expenses. Applicants will be considered based on priority criteria detailed in the application, and a lottery will be initiated if the number of qualified applicants exceeds the amount of funding available, city officials said.

In addition to eligible commercial storefront businesses, home-based family day care homes, landscaper/gardeners, and residential cleaning services are encouraged to apply and will receive priority in the selection process, the city said.

The application is available online at: https://concordfirst.com/local-business/covid-19-resources/arpa-reimbursement-grant/ .