Pasadena to Launch Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant Program

Pasadena city officials on Friday announced the launch of a new grant program to offer relief to local small business owners who have suffered hardships due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant Program is being administered in partnership with the Pasadena Community Foundation, which will select recipients and distribute the funds, city officials said in a written statement.

It will provide grants of $7,500 to up to 50 qualifying businesses, officials said.

Applications will be collected online. The application period will open Jan. 25 and close Feb. 12.

PCF Senior Program Officer Kate Clavijo said the program was meant to offer a helping hand to small businesses struggling through the pandemic.

“Small businesses are suffering a huge financial burden due to the pandemic, and many don’t have the resources to hold on long term, she said. “PCF is grateful that the City has stepped up to help once again and is counting on the Foundation’s history of grant-making expertise to get that help to the businesses that need it most.”

Funds for the grants are coming from the city’s annual Community Development Block Grant allocation, officials said.

To be eligible, applicants must own 51% or more of the business, have five or fewer employees, operate out of a street-level storefront in Pasadena and have experienced economic hardship due to the pandemic, according to the city statement.

Complete program guidelines are available online at pasadenacf.org/grants/pasadena-small-business-relief-fund-grant.

A series of information Zoom meetings will be held at noon on Jan. 20, 22, 28 and 30. The meetings can be accessed at https://pasadenacf.org/info-session/

For more information on the program, Clavijo can be reached at (626) 796-2097 x7 or at kclavijo@pasadenacf.org, or Program Officer Mike deHilster can be contacted at (626) 796-2097 x5 or at mdehilster@pasadenacf.org.