Microbusiness COVID-19 Relief Grant Program

This relief initiative provides one-time financial assistance to qualified microbusinesses and entrepreneurs in Santa Barbara County who have suffered negative impacts from the pandemic. Funded by the California Office of the Small Business Advocate, the program prioritizes underserved business owners facing systemic barriers to capital, such as women, minorities, veterans, undocumented individuals, and those in rural or low-income areas. Funds can be utilized for purchasing certified equipment, investing in working capital, securing local permits, paying down pandemic-related business debt, or covering other costs stemming from health restrictions and operational disruptions. Applications are processed on a rolling basis, and a lottery system may be implemented if eligible requests exceed the available funding pool.