California Offers Grants to Small Businesses in Pasadena for Paid Family Leave Costs

Small businesses in Pasadena and anywhere else in California can now apply for grants of up to $2,000 per employee to offset costs associated with the state’s Paid Family Leave program. The initiative, announced on Tuesday, June 25, aims to support companies with one to 100 employees.

The grants are designed to help businesses manage expenses when workers take time off for family-related reasons. These costs may include cross-training existing staff, hiring and training temporary replacements, or covering duties of absent employees.

California’s Paid Family Leave program provides eligible workers with up to eight weeks of wage replacement benefits. This applies when employees take leave to bond with a new child or care for a seriously ill family member.

The grant amounts vary based on company size. Businesses with one to 50 employees may receive up to $2,000 per worker using Paid Family Leave, while those with 51 to 100 employees can get up to $1,000.

To qualify, businesses must be registered in California, have an active status with the Secretary of State, and possess a valid California Employer Account Number under which employees are listed for payroll. They must also have at least one employee utilizing Paid Family Leave on or after June 1, 2024.

The California Employment Training Panel and the California Labor and Workforce Development Agency are funding the initiative. Interested businesses can find more information and apply for grants at CaliforniaPFL.com. The online application is now open.