Orange County Microbusiness Program

About the Program

Category: Community and Economic Development (Best in Category)

Year: 2023

In 2021, the California Office of the Small Business Advocate (CalOSBA) solicited applications to administer a grant program and distribute $2,500 grants to eligible microbusinesses impacted by COVID-19 and related health and safety restrictions. Qualified microbusinesses are those with less than $50,000 in revenues in the 2019 taxable year, have fewer than 5 full-time equivalent employees, were significantly impacted by COVID-19 pandemic (least a 10% reduction in revenue), were in business prior to 12/31/2019, and are currently active and operating. The intent of the funding was to provide relief to the hardest to reach microbusinesses and entrepreneurs with priority given to businesses that face systemic barriers to access traditional capital. The County of Orange Workforce and Economic Development Division (WEDD) was awarded $3,975,481.68 to provide 1,470 grants. Businesses were able use the funds for the purchase of new certified equipment, investment in working capital, permit fees, payment of business debt accrued due to and costs resulting from the pandemic/related health and safety restrictions. Once the funds were awarded, an application system was created in house. WEDD collaborated with internal partners to develop an agreement for awarded businesses and conducted outreach promoting the Program before launching the application portal.