Businesses can still apply for the Microbusiness COVID-19 Relief Grant Program with emphasis on microbusinesses grants. The program is a partnership between the County of Santa Barbara, the California Office of the Small Business Advocate and the Santa Barbara Foundation. Applications opened in March and will remain open on a rolling basis until all funds are granted. 

Eligible microbusinesses that were adversely impacted by the coronavirus pandemic may apply for up to $2,500 in funding. Total available funds for Santa Barbara County microbusiness relief is more than $500,000.

Funding comes from the California Microbusiness COVID-19 Relief Grant Program that was enacted by California Senate Bill No. 151 (Government Code 12100.90). All interested parties are encouraged to review the grant program guidelines and additional information thoroughly. 

These funds are specifically for microbusinesses and administered by the state Office of the Small Business Advocate (CalOSBA) through local government agencies and coalitions of nonprofit organizations/grantmaking entities to disperse the funds to microbusinesses and entrepreneurs. CalOSBA within the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz) is charged with administering and providing oversight for the program.

To apply for a grant, please review the grant guidelines and important information before accessing and completing and application. Applications WILL NOT be accepted by email or fax. Applications will be time and date stamped and reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis. If interest persists and funds are still available, the application period may be extended. 

For questions or more information, please contact the Santa Barbara Foundation at (805) 963-1873. Applications may be submitted electronically via the Santa Barbara Foundation grants portal or printed and mailed in a sealed envelope to the Santa Barbara Foundation, 1111 Chapala Street, Santa Barbara, CA, 93101. To hand deliver, please bring the sealed application to the above address between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.