COVID-19 Small Business Incentive Program

Pre-Eligibility forms received after October 11, 2021 will be added to the waitlist.

In response to the Coronavirus Pandemic (COVID-19), the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Community Development Block Grant program has notified the City of Santa Ana that they will receive a formula allocation from the first round of CDBG-CV funding to be used specifically for the prevention of, preparation for, and response to the Coronavirus. This allocation was authorized by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), Public Law 116-136, which was signed on March 27, 2020.This program provides up to $5,000 in the form of a grant, based on reimbursement of eligible business expenses, such as rent. This grant is on a first-come, first-serve basis.

The City is dedicated to the support, stabilization, and growth of local businesses. We look forward to working with you personally, providing information on City programs and services, and connecting you with the Orange County Small Business Development Center (SBDC). The Orange County SBDC provides access to training and other business resources for businesses to grow and prosper.

Criteria for participation

• Must be located in Santa Ana
• Microenterprise with 5 or fewer employees, including the owners
• Must have a current Business License and Certificate of Occupancy/Home Occupation Permit
• Must complete a business consultation or workshop with the OCIE SBDC - ociesmallbusiness.org
• Must have/obtain a Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) Number (can be obtained at http://fedgov.dnb.com/webform
• Income eligible: The business owner(s) must be within 80% of the Orange County median income limits set by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
  • 2020 Income Limits (Effective April 18, 2022)
    • 1 Person   $ 75,901
    • 2 Persons $ 86,751
    • 3 Persons $ 97,601
    • 4 Persons $ 108,401
    • 5 Persons $ 117,101
    • 6 Persons $ 125,751
    • 7 Persons $ 134,451
    • 8 or More Persons $ 143,101
• Additional criteria stipulated in the application

Exclusions

• Businesses that have previously received City of Santa Ana business grants are not eligible for the program.
• Businesses with active code enforcement violations, or a history of multiple code enforcement violations are not eligible for the program.
• The following types of businesses are not eligible for the program:
  • Non-profits
  • Alcohol/Bars
  • Tobacco/Vaping
  • Firearms
  • Adult
  • Cannabis

Grant amounts for qualified business expenses

• Up to $5,000 for businesses with a commercial/industrial/office location - Certificate of Occupancy Required
• Up to $2,500 for home based - Home Occupation Permit Required

For more information, please contact Sylvia Vazquez at svazquez@santa-ana.org or (714) 647-5445.