The City of Santa Ana’s Economic Development Division will administer the grant program which consists of receiving, reviewing, approving grant applications, and issuing approved grant funding. During this period applicants are encouraged to ask questions and seek assistance from program staff by contacting Gabriela Cramer for an appointment at 714-647-5385 or by email at gcramer@santa-ana.org or contact the Business Resource hotline at 714-647-5477.
The grant application process is completed in 3 steps as follows:
(Step 1) Pre-Eligibility Form – Business owners will submit a Pre-Eligibility Form through an online portal (Neighborly) provided by the Economic Development Division. If determined not pre-eligible, your business will be notified. If determined pre-eligible, your business will be notified by email and invited to continue the grant application.
- Please note: Pre-eligibility does not guarantee that a grant has been approved. Applicants must still meet full application requirements and provide the necessary documentation (Step 2).
(Step 2) Application Submission – Business owners will have two weeks to complete the full grant application and upload the required documents to the online portal (Neighborly). An email is sent to the applicant confirming that the application submission was received.
Minimum requirements for Step 2:
1) Submit copies of most recent IRS Form 1040 U.S. Individual Tax Returns or IRS Tax Transcript for ALL OWNERS and their
HOUSEHOLD FAMILY MEMBERS 18+
2) Submit a copy of current and valid Santa Ana Business License
3) Submit a copy of Certificate of Occupancy or Home Occupation Permit issued by the City of Santa Ana
4) Submit a copy of Business Owner’s State Identification Card or Driver’s License
5) No active Code Enforcement Violations (Verified by Staff)
6) Most recent Business Tax Returns (Complete IRS tax filings)
7) Most recent Quarterly Contribution Return and Report of Wages (Form DE 9) (For businesses with employees)
City of Santa Ana Page 5 of 7 Small Business Incentive Program (CDBG)
8) Most recent Quarterly Contribution Return and Report of Wages Continuation (Form DE9 C) (For businesses with employees)
9) Submit verification of completed business consultation with the Orange County Inland Empire Small Business Development Center (OCIE SBDC). An email confirming the business consultation was completed fulfills this requirement.
10) Submit copies of Business Expenses that will be reimbursed by the grant. Include invoices/receipts and proof of payment
for reimbursement of these expenses.
11) Submit verification of the Unique Entity ID Number assigned to your business. An email or screen shot from SAM.gov will
fulfill this requirement.
12) IRS Form W-9, Request for Taxpayer Identification and Certification
13) ACH Form for direct deposit to a business account and submit a copy of a voided business check.
(Step 3) Application Review/Notification of Determination – During the application review and validation of all grant requirements, business owners may be contacted by program staff for questions. Economic Development staff will notify each applicant of the final determination and whether the application was deemed eligible or not eligible to receive grant funding.