Marin Microbusiness $2500 Grant Program

The Microbusiness COVID-19 Relief Grant (MBCRG) Program is State funded through the California Office of the Small Business Advocate (CalOSBA). In partnership, the County of Marin, the Marin SBDC and Dominican University of California will carry out this program to fund 105 microbusinesses at $2500 each. APPLICATION IS NOW CLOSED.

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Funding Award Update

Funding Award Update


THE APPLICATION IS NOW CLOSED.

The review process will happen in July 2022 and checks will start to be dispersed in August 2022.

There will be a total of 105 grants of $2500 given out.  If there are more than 105 qualified applicants, awardees will be chosen through a lottery system. This is not a first come, first serve application process.

If you have questions about your application, please email team@marinsbdc.org

Grant Eligibility

Grant Eligibility

You could qualify to apply if you met these criteria:

  • Located in Marin County
  • Been in business since December 2019
  • Made less than $50,000 gross revenue in 2019
  • This business is your primary source of income (not household income – only individual business income)
  • Significantly Impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic
  • Currently in business or plan to reopen
  • Have less than 5 full-time equivalent employees
  • Did not receive a CA Grant through Lendistry

How to Apply

How to Apply (application closed June 30,2022)


How to translate the application. Cómo traducir la solicitud. Cách dịch ứng dụng.

All you need to do is fill out the application which should take 15-20 minutes. The first section is a qualifications section. If you pass that section, you will be able to fill out the rest of the application. 

You will need to upload:

  • A photo ID (can be a foreign ID)
  • 2019 Tax Return – Schedule C (or if you do not have a tax return, another document that verifies you are a business- see first question in FAQs below)
  • W-9 Form (Click here for form)

FAQ

FAQs


If I do not have a Tax Return, can I still apply? What other document can I upload instead?

Yes, you can apply without a tax return. If you do not have a 2019 tax return, you can upload one of the following:

  • A local business permit or license that shows you were in business in 2019
  • A bank statement (preferably from 2019 that shows income less than $50,000)
  • Trade Account
  • 3rd Party Verification Form (Click here for form)

If you filed taxes in 2019, please submit your 2019 Schedule C tax return documentation. If you have a tax return, that should be what you submit. If you need assistance or have questions, SIGN UP HERE or call Marin SBDC at 415-482-1819 or email team@marinsbdc.org

Do you look at household income to determine primary source of income?

No, we only look at individual business income. We do not look for household income.

How many grants will be awarded?

105 grants of $2500 each

Do I have to pay the money back, like a loan?

No. The funds you receive are a grant, not a loan, and do not need to be paid back.

Will I have to pay taxes if I receive this grant money?

For CA State, you will not be taxed on this grant money. Federally, it seems you will be taxed on this money based on latest communication from CalOSBA office.

Do I have to be a U.S. citizen to apply?

No, you do not need to be a U.S. citizen to apply.

Can I apply if I received funds from the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) or Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program or PUA Assistance (Unemployment Assistance)?

Yes, you can apply if you received funds from the Paycheck Protection Program, EIDL, PUA or other pandemic-related grant or loan programs. The only funding that you cannot have received is the CA Grant through Lendistry.

Can I apply if I received funds from the California Relief Small Business COVID-19 Grant Program through Lendistry?

No, you may not apply if you received funds from the California Relief Grant Program.

Do I have to fill out the application online? Can I submit my application via mail or in person?

All applications must be filled out online. No physical applications will be accepted. If you need help accessing a computer with internet access or filling out the application, please SIGN UP HERE or contact the Marin SBDC at 415-482-1819 or email team@marinsbdc.org.

Do I need to submit all the documents? What if I don’t have all the documents that I need to apply?

You must submit ALL the required documents. Incomplete applications will not be considered. However, if you do not have one of the documents listed and you are a qualified business, you can have an organization sign a 3rd Party Certification Form on your behalf. if you need assistance or have questions, SIGN UP HERE or call Marin SBDC at 415-482-1819 or email team@marinsbdc.org

If my business receives a grant, what can I use the money for? What can’t I use the money for?

Applicants will be required to self-certify that grant funds will be used for one or more of the following eligible uses:

  • The purchase of new certified equipment including, but not limited to, a cart.
  • Investment in working capital.
  • Application for, or renewal of, a local permit including, but not limited to, a permit to operate as a sidewalk vendor.
  • Payment of business debt accrued due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Costs resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic and related health and safety restrictions, or business interruptions or closures incurred as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, as defined in subdivision (l) of Section 12100.83.

If I have a home based business can I apply?

Yes, you can. You still need to provide one source of documentation that qualifies you as a business.

I own/operate more than one business. Am I allowed to submit an application for each business I own if they meet the qualifications?

No, you may only apply one time even if you own, co-own, or operate multiple businesses. Only one business will be eligible.

I have multiple locations for a single business, which address should I use?

Please select what you might consider the “primary” business location.

My business has multiple locations. How do I know if I qualify? 

Your application answers and financial information must pertain only to any locations in Marin County.

If I am a nonprofit can I apply?

Yes, you can apply but it needs to be your primary source of income.

How will applications be selected to receive funding?  

If the amount of eligible applications exceed the amount of funding available, the selection process will be conducted by a lottery. This is not a first come, first serve process.

How will I be contacted or know if I will receive a grant?

You will be notified by the email you identify on your application.

Will I be contacted if I do not receive a grant?

Yes, you will be notified by email whether or not you receive a grant.

Outreach Partners

Outreach Partners



The County of Marin, the Marin SBDC and Dominican University are partnering with community and city organizations to reach as many underserved business owners as possible. These organizations include:

Partner Toolkit

Partner Toolkit


FACEBOOK / INSTAGRAM / NEXTDOOR / LINKEDIN GRAPHICS
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SOCIAL MEDIA COPY

FACEBOOK / NEXTDOOR / LINKEDIN
Option 1
Application for Marin $2500 Microbusiness grants NOW OPEN!

Eligible businesses can apply to receive a $2,500 grant from the Marin County’s Microbusiness COVID-19 Relief Grant Program offered through the Marin Small Business Development Center.

A few types of businesses who might be eligible: Artists & Musicians, Childcare Providers, Construction Workers, Food Vendors, Hair Stylists, Handy Man, House Cleaners, Gardeners & Landscapers, and Nail Technicians. Help spread the word 📢 if you or someone you know might qualify!

 🗓 The first round application process is open NOW through June 30, 2022.

Learn more and apply at  www.marinsbdc.org/microbizgrants

Option 2

Are you a Marin County business that made less than $50,000 in 2019? You may qualify to get a $2500 COVID Relief Grant! A few types of businesses who might be eligible: Artists & Musicians, Childcare Providers, Construction Workers, Food Vendors, Hair Stylists, Handy Man, House Cleaners, Gardeners & Landscapers, and Nail Technicians. Help spread the word 📢 if you or someone you know might qualify!

🗓 The first round application process is open NOW through June 30, 2022.

Learn more and apply at  www.marinsbdc.org/microbizgrants


¿Tiene usted un negocio del condado de Marin que ganó menos de $50,000 en 2019? ¡Puede calificar para obtener una ayuda económica de COVID por $2500! Algunos tipos de empresas que podrían ser elegibles son: artistas y músicos, proveedores de cuidado infantil, trabajadores de construcción, vendedores de alimentos, peluqueros, personal de mantenimiento, limpiadores de casas, jardineros, paisajistas, y técnicos de uñas. ¡Ayude a compartir la oportunidad 📢 si usted o alguien que conoce puede calificar!

🗓 La primera ronda del proceso de la solicitud está disponible AHORA hasta el 30 de junio de 2022.
Obtenga más información y presente su solicitud en www.marinsbdc.org/microbizgrants


INSTAGRAM
Option 1

Application for Marin Microbusiness grants OPEN NOW! Eligible businesses can apply to receive a $2,500 grant from the Marin County’s Microbusiness COVID-19 Relief Grant Program offered through the Marin Small Business Development Center.

A few types of businesses who might be eligible: Artists & Musicians, Childcare Providers, Construction Workers, Food Vendors, Hair Stylists, Handy Man, House Cleaners, Gardeners & Landscapers, and Nail Technicians. Help spread the word 📢 if you or someone you know might qualify!

 🗓 The first round application process is open NOW through June 30, 2022.

Learn more and apply at  www.marinsbdc.org/microbizgrants

#SmallBusinessGrants #Microbusiness #GrantFunding #CovidReliefGrant #CovidRelief #SmallBusiness #Hairdresser #HairStylist #NailTechnician #Landscaper #Gardener #Housekeeper #ConstructinWorker #FoodVendors #FoodTrucks #Childcare #Artist #Musician

Option 2

Are you a Marin County business that made less than $50,000 in 2019? You may qualify to get a $2500 COVID Relief Grant! A few types of businesses who might be eligible: Artists & Musicians, Childcare Providers, Construction Workers, Food Vendors, Hair Stylists, Handy Man, House Cleaners, Gardeners & Landscapers, and Nail Technicians. Help spread the word 📢 if you or someone you know might qualify!

🗓 The first round application process is open NOW through June 30, 2022.

Learn more and apply at  www.marinsbdc.org/microbizgrants

#SmallBusinessGrants #Microbusiness #GrantFunding #CovidReliefGrant #CovidRelief #SmallBusiness #Hairdresser #HairStylist #NailTechnician #Landscaper #Gardener #Housekeeper #ConstructinWorker #FoodVendors #FoodTrucks #Childcare #Artist #Musician #MarinCounty


TWITTER
Option 1

Marin County microbusinesses can apply to receive a $2,500 #CovidRelief Grant! 🗓 The first round application process is open NOW through June 30, 2022. Learn more and apply at  www.marinsbdc.org/microbizgrants #SmallBusinessGrants #Microbusiness #GrantFunding #CovidReliefGrant #SmallBusiness #MarinCounty


¡Las microempresas del condado de Marin pueden solicitar para recibir una ayuda económica del #CovidRelief de $ 2,500! 🗓 El proceso de solicitud de la primera ronda está abierto AHORA hasta el 30 de junio de 2022. Obtenga más información y solicite en www.marinsbdc.org/microbizgrants #SmallBusinessGrants #Microbusiness #GrantFunding #CovidReliefGrant #SmallBusiness #MarinCounty

Option 2

Artists & Musicians & Food Vendors in Marin – you might be eligible for a $2,500 #CovidRelief Grant! 🗓 The first round application process is open NOW through June 30, 2022. Learn more and apply at www.marinsbdc.org/microbizgrants #SmallBusinessGrants #SmallBusinessGrants #Microbusiness #GrantFunding #CovidReliefGrant #SmallBusiness #MarinCounty

Option 3

Childcare Providers, Construction Workers, Gardeners & Landscapers in Marin – you might be eligible for a $2,500 #CovidRelief Grant! 🗓 The first round application process is open NOW through June 30, 2022. Learn more and apply at www.marinsbdc.org/microbizgrants #SmallBusinessGrants #Microbusiness #GrantFunding #CovidReliefGrant #SmallBusiness #MarinCounty

Option 4

Hair Stylists, House Cleaners, and Nail Technicians in Marin – you might be eligible for a $2,500 #CovidRelief Grant! 🗓 The first round application process is open NOW through June 30, 2022. Learn more and apply at www.marinsbdc.org/microbizgrants #SmallBusinessGrants #Microbusiness #GrantFunding #CovidReliefGrant #SmallBusiness #MarinCounty

EMAIL / NEWSLETTER COPY

$2500 Microbusiness Grant Application is NOW OPEN!

Microbusinesses in Marin County may be eligible for $2,500 grants! Offered by the Marin SBDC in partnership with the County of Marin, Dominican University and funded in part by the California Office of the Small Business Advocate, the program is designed to provide relief to our community’s hardest-to-reach microbusinesses and entrepreneurs.

The Marin Small Business Development Center (Marin SBDC) will disburse $262,500 in relief funds to 105 microbusinesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. 

A few types of businesses who might be eligible: Artists & Musicians, Childcare Providers, Construction Workers, Food Vendors, Hair Stylists, Handy Man, House Cleaners, Gardeners & Landscapers, and Nail Technicians.

The application is now open. This round will close June 30th

To apply now, GO HERE

If you need assistance with your application, please sign up here or call us at 415.482.1819 or email us at team@marinsbdc.org.

All information about this program is here including a FAQ section: Microbusiness Grant Website


La solicitud para el Programa de Ayuda Económica para Microempresas de $2500 de Marin ya está disponible!
Esta ronda se cierra el 30 de junio.

Para llenar la solicitud, INGRESE AQUÍ

Si necesita ayuda con su solicitud, regístrese aquí o llámenos al 415.482.1819 o envíenos un correo electrónico a team@marinsbdc.org.

Toda la información sobre este programa se encuentra en nuestro sitio web, incluida una sección de preguntas frecuentes: https://www.marinsbdc.org/microbizgrants/

Por favor comparta este información con cualquier persona que cree que pueda estar interesada en este programa.

Contact Info

Contact Info


Phone: 415.482.1819

Email: team@marinsbdc.org