San Diego to aid small businesses, nonprofits affected by record storm

To qualify for the San Diego storm aid, business owners need to track storm-related expenses during the application period starting in mid-February | Photo from sandiego.gov

Last week, San Diego, California, faced a storm that brought heavy rain, resulting in evacuation warnings, flash floods, and road closures.

Described as “historic” by NBC San Diego, the unprecedented rains and resulting floods swept across the region.

In response, the city is launching an emergency grant program to assist small businesses and nonprofits. 

According to a press release on Jan. 26, the Business Emergency Response & Resilience Grant will extend financial assistance up to $2,500 for businesses and up to $5,000 for those in specified zones (Promise Zone and Low-Moderate Income Census tract areas).

Mayor Todd Gloria, in a statement, underscores the city’s commitment to supporting residents and businesses, urging affected business owners to prepare for the grant application. 

What are the qualifications for the program?

To qualify for the program, business owners are required to track storm-related expenses. The application period will then open in mid-February.

The grant, with a budget of $370,000 through the city’s Small Business Enhancement Program, covers eligible expenses such as cleanup supplies, repairs, wages, and insurance deductibles.

They must also demonstrate the storm’s impact and possess a current Business Tax Certificate. Eligibility however is limited to businesses with 12 or fewer employees.

Simultaneously, Chair Nora Vargas of the County Board of Supervisors announced on Jan. 27 that San Diego County qualifies for state flood relief funds to aid in the reconstruction of vital infrastructure damaged by the storm.

Additionally, the San Diego Foundation’s San Diego Flood Response Fund achieved notable milestones, awarding $120,000 in grants and raising $550,000 over the week.