Asante-Ra
The City of San Bernardino recently announced that it has awarded $730,000 in grants to 30 small businesses and non-profit organizations as part of its grant program launched last fall. The program, created in partnership with the Small Business Development Center (SBDC), provides funding to qualifying small businesses and non-profits located in San Bernardino.
“We are so grateful to San Bernardino for this grant,” said Tansu Philip, co-owner of Viva La Boba, which received $25,000. “We are going to use these funds to take care of our staff and expand our business.”
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The Mayor and City Council allocated $3 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds for the Small Business and Non-Profit Training and Grant Program, with funds ranging from $10,000 to $35,000 for each qualifying business or non-profit.
To be eligible for the program, organizations had to complete an online application, participate in an SBDC training program focused on growing or sustaining their business, and have a one-on-one consultation with an SBDC consultant. Recipients of the grant were also grateful for the business training they received.
“The four-week marketing class we took was very handy,” said Alfredo Castro, owner of Gear Doctor, who received $25,000. “Now we are on social media, and it is working out for us.”
Grant funds can be used for working capital, such as rent/lease payments, mortgage payments, payroll and benefit costs, utility expenses, inventory, Personal Protection Equipment (PPE), or other similar expenses that occur in the normal course of operations.
Dr. Zachary Ginder, Executive Director of the Inland Empire Autism Assessment Center, which received $35,000, expressed his gratitude for the grant, saying, “This will go to help support changing the lives of so many families. Thank you, San Bernardino.”
With these grants, the City of San Bernardino aims to support the growth and sustainability of local businesses and non-profits, which are essential to the city’s economy and community.
“The Mayor and City Council recognize the vital role our local small businesses and non-profits play in San Bernardino. They are our local employers, our service providers, our shops, and our restaurants,” said San Bernardino Economic Development Manager Amanda Hernandez.
The City of San Bernardino anticipates awarding an additional $2.27 million to approximately 120 additional organizations within the next few months. The remaining funds will be awarded to program participants who complete their training within the next seven weeks.