City’s Save Our Small Businesses Emergency Grant Deadline Extended

The application deadline for the City of Fresno’s “Save Our Small Businesses” Program has been extended by one week, to 11:59 p.m., June 12, 2020.  The City’s Economic Development Office has received several hundred applications; however, many businesses have expressed that they have been pre-occupied with getting prepared to re-open and the deadline extension will give those small businesses additional time to apply for the grant.

“Based on the applications we have received to-date, business are reporting an estimated 23.44% in loss of jobs compared to March 4, 2020.  We are confident that the profile of the applications submitted, the grant funds will serve to assist those small businesses that hold up our local economy and that we are look forward to frequenting once again,” said Economic Development Director Lupe Perez.

The second phase, approved by City Council on May 14, 2020, appropriated $2 million in federal relief funding received from the CARES Act and aims to help local economic recovery with funding for those small business owners who need it most.  Businesses impacted by COVID-19 with 1 to 5 employees are eligible for a $5,000 grant while businesses impacted by COVID-19 with 6 to 25 employees are eligible for a $10,000 grant. 

The application portal for the Save Our Small Business Program is available on the City of Fresno’s website with links on both the front page and the Economic Development Department’s page.  Potential applicants can call Lupe Perez, Economic Development Director for the City of Fresno, at (559) 621-8350 for more information.