These 20 Santa Monica Businesses Are Getting $5,000 From The City

SANTA MONICA, CA — Twenty Santa Monica businesses, from restaurants and retailers to a guitar shop and comedy venue, have been selected to receive $5,000 each through a city program intended to strengthen the local economy.

The city announced the recipients Wednesday, following an application process that attracted 129 businesses competing for $100,000 in funding through its Small Business Relief Microgrant Program.

Fewer than one in six applicants were selected, with recipients including McCabe's Guitar Shop, Fia Restaurant, Cookie Good, Upper West Restaurant and Crow Comedy.

The one-time grants can be used for equipment repairs, technology upgrades, marketing, inventory and other operating expenses, providing financial assistance to businesses as Santa Monica works to revitalize its commercial corridors.

The program was introduced in September as part of the city's broader Realignment Plan, which includes efforts to retain local businesses, encourage investment and bring activity back to commercial areas.

Which Businesses Were Selected?

The city identified the following 20 recipients, grouped by business category.

Dining, cafes and treats:

• Bun And Mi — 1004 Montana Ave.
• Cookie Good — 448 Wilshire Blvd.
• Espresso Cielo — 1431 Second St., Suite C
• Fia Restaurant — 2454 Wilshire Blvd.
• La Diperie — 2441 Main St.
• Odd One Out Tea — 1260 Third Street Promenade
• Papille Gustative — 2823 Main St.
• Pontu — 3117 Ocean Park Blvd.
• Mr. Charlie's — 262 26th St.
• Upper West Restaurant — 3321 Pico Blvd.

Shopping and services:

• Bubble Beach Laundry — 633 Main St.
• Classic Tile & Flooring Inc. — 928 Santa Monica Blvd.
• McCabe's Guitar Shop — 3101 Pico Blvd.
• Sand 'n Surf — 131 Broadway
• Sir Speedy — 2632 Santa Monica Blvd.

Entertainment, activities and wellness:

• Clay Café — 620 Wilshire Blvd.
• Crow Comedy — 2525 Michigan Ave., Unit F4
• Phoenix Classical Pilates — 2412 Wilshire Blvd.
• Ten Women II — 1128 Montana Ave.
• THE Cube VR Immersive Park — 1248 Third Street Promenade

How Were The Grants Awarded?

The city's Economic Development Team reviewed applications anonymously, evaluating the completeness of each submission and how clearly businesses explained their plans for spending the money.

Additional consideration was given to longtime businesses and those owned by veterans.

To qualify, businesses were required to operate a physical storefront in Santa Monica, employ fewer than 50 people and generate less than $3 million in annual gross revenue.

According to the city's program guidelines, grant funding can be used for expenses such as computers, point-of-sale equipment, website improvements, advertising, professional services and emergency-preparedness supplies.

Recipients will also have an opportunity to participate in Buy Local Santa Monica, a free citywide marketing initiative, and be featured in promotional profiles explaining how the funding has helped their businesses.

The city plans to provide updates after three months and one year to assess the grants' impact on participating businesses.