On January 6, 2021, the Oceanside City Council approved another grant program to provide financial assistance to local businesses impacted by COVID-19. The program will be funded with $750,000 in unused funds from the COVID-19 business loan program that launched in April 2020.
This second round of Oceanside Small Business Grants builds on the initial grant program wherein 130 local businesses were awarded $257,000 in grants, along with a no-to-low interest Business Loan Program, a Shop Local campaign, relaxed business regulations, a Utility Relief Program, and other City efforts to fortify local small businesses.
Grants ranging from $1,000 to $7,500 will be awarded on a first come, first served basis. A tiered system that considers the business type and financial impact of COVID-19 will be used to determine grant amounts.
“Small businesses are the drivers of economic growth in our city, and this program will get funding to those that need it the most. We are committed to helping our businesses survive through this challenging time,” said Mayor Esther Sanchez. “I am hopeful that Oceanside restaurants and other small businesses will regain the strong momentum they had before the pandemic.”
The City of Oceanside is partnering with MainStreet Oceanside and the Oceanside Chamber of Commerce to manage the program and disburse funds to eligible Oceanside businesses. MainStreet Oceanside will take applications for Downtown businesses, and the Oceanside Chamber of Commerce will take applications for businesses citywide (outside of the MainStreet District).
A link to the online application will be available starting at 8 a.m. on Monday, January 11, 2021 on the City of Oceanside Economic Development website www.osidebiz.com.
For other resources and Oceanside-specific COVID-19 information, please visit the City webpage.
