In response to COVID-19’s impact on Irvine’s small businesses the City is launching a grant program starting today. Qualified businesses can apply for one-time grants in the amount of $10,000. The city’s press release can be found here: https://www.cityofirvine.org/news-media/news-article/covid-19-small-business-support-program-grant-application

The application period opens today Wednesday, June 3, 2020 and close at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, June 30, 2020. Complete applications will be reviewed for eligibility immediately and applicants will be notified of decision within four business days. Grants will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis to eligible businesses. For details on the program click here. The grant application can be obtained here.

Funding for the Local Business Support Program comes from a $5 million grant from the County of Orange, through the federally approved CARES Act.

To qualify, businesses must:

•  Have 25 or fewer employees,
•  Have an active Irvine business license at the minimum of one year,
•  Demonstrate a financial impact due to COVID-19
•  Have reopened or are ready to reopen by July 1st

The grant funds may only be used to cover credible business expenses related to COVID-19, such as purchase of personal protective equipment, payroll, capital, equipment, and operational costs. meeting guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control, the State and Orange County.