By Robert Haugh

Yesterday in a video message  Mayor Lisa Gillmor announced the City is launching a grant program to help Santa Clara’s small businesses and nonprofits that have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The program will offer $5,000 or $10,000 for qualified small businesses and nonprofits that have from 1-25 full-time employees. The money must be used for either payroll expenses or lease payments.

“Many of our small businesses and nonprofits are suffering financially during this public health emergency. They are the economic drivers for our community, and we recognize the next few months will be challenging,” said Gillmor.

“While the $500,000 available in grant funding won’t be enough to cover all financial needs, it’s a start in helping our small businesses find some relief during the COVID-19 crisis.”

By noon today, the City website will have the grant application available online.

It’ll include a video tutorial. The City encourages applicants to check the website often for updates and additional information.

The City will begin accepting applications online starting at 10 a.m. Friday, April 17. The money will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis for qualified applicants through the online application.

The application form will be available in English, Spanish, Tagalog, Hindi, Chinese and Japanese.

For further information or questions email SmallBusiness@SantaClaraCA.gov or call 408-615-2210.