Nevada County will disburse $107,500 in relief funds to up to 43 microbusinesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Microbusinesses in Nevada County may be eligible for $2,500 in grant funding. Applications will be open Wednesday, February 23rd at 9:00 a.m. through Friday, March 25th at 5:00 p.m.

“This program focuses on supporting the small businesses that make Nevada County a special place to live and work,” said County Executive Officer Alison Lehman. “Post-pandemic economic recovery for every size business is key to our success and is an important part of our economic development strategy supporting a Board Objective.”

The grant program is designed to provide relief to our community’s hardest-to-reach microbusinesses and entrepreneurs that face systemic barriers to accessing capital, such as businesses owned by women, minorities, veterans, individuals without documentation, individuals with limited English proficiency, and business owners located in low-wealth and rural communities. Eligibility requirements a physical Nevada County address, under $50,000 in 2019 revenue, fewer than 5 full-time employees, significant impacts due to the pandemic and did not receive funding through the California Relief Grant program. Find a complete list of eligibility and application information, and frequently asked questions on Nevada County’s Microbusiness Grants website.

The program is made possible by the California Office of the Small Business Advocate and the California Microbusiness COVID-19 Relief Grant program that Nevada County applied to in November 2021. Nevada County plans to partner with Sierra Business Council to administer an easy application process and responsive customer service to applicants.

Community-based organizations including the Economic Resource Council, Nevada City Chamber of Commerce, Nevada County Arts Council, Truckee Downtown Merchants Association, and the Grass Valley Downtown Association are helping to get the word out to Nevada County’s very small businesses and entrepreneurs.

All eligible residents are encouraged to apply. Learn more about the Board of Supervisors 2022 Objectives, including economic development.