Are You Looking for COVID-19 Funding Assistance for Your Small Business or Nonprofit in the City of Chula Vista?

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About the City of Chula Vista Small Business and Nonprofit Relief Funds

The City of Chula Vista in partnership with the San Diego Foundation is pleased to provide the Small Business and Nonprofit Relief Fund. The City of Chula Vista, thanks to funding from the American Rescue Plan of the Federal Government and local funding from the San Diego Foundation, is pleased to offer grants for City of Chula Vista small businesses and nonprofits.

This webpage explains the basics of the program. The links to apply are below. Assistance is available at no cost from the regional Small Business Development Center (SBDC) and other partners. Additionally there are office hours and how-to-apply recordings in different languages when available and a link to request a no-cost, one-on-one appointment for help applying.

The deadline to apply is: Thursday, Oct. 27, 2022 by 5 p.m.

Please note the grant program is not first-come, first-served. Decisions on awardees will not be made until the application window closes. Accuracy of the application is more important than getting it in early in the window. Only submit one application. Applications are not reviewed until after the window closes.

Businesses

For-profit businesses which meet the following criteria should apply:

  • Self-employed workers, independent contractors, sole proprietors, and corporations with no more than 100 employees
  • Net profits under $150,000 OR gross revenue under $250,000 (as reported for 2019)
  • In operation before April 1, 2020
  • Demonstrated decline in revenue or service demand due to COVID-19
  • Operating within the City of Chula Vista

  • Application Period: 8/29/2022 – 10/27/2022 (closes at 5 p.m.)
  • Document Review Period:
    • Applications will be reviewed for completeness and any additional information needed within 10 business days from the date of application
    • Please pay attention to your email and phone messages during this period of time so we can contact you if additional information is required to process your application
  • Funding Review Period:
    This funding is not first-come first-served; this means that:

    • All application will be reviewed for funding after the close of the application period
    • Funding notifications will begin to be sent out no sooner than the end of November 2022

You will need to gather the following documents to submit with your application:

  • 2019 Federal Tax Return
  • Signed W9
  • Signed Grant Agreement
  • Current City of Chula Vista Business License or other proof that states the business is located in or operating in the the City of Chula Vista Examples of other proof may include:
    • California State professional license
    • 2019 tax filing with Schedule C
    • County of Chula Vista Fictitious Business Name
    • State of California sales tax certificate + proof of at least one payment

Businesses which fall under one or more of the following are not eligible to apply:

  • Does not operate in the City of Chula Vista
  • Is not located in the City of Chula Vista
  • Is in one of the following industries:
    • Adult entertainment
    • Cannabis
    • Arms dealers
    • Any other exclusions noted by the American Rescue Plan act
  • Has more than 100 employees (including the owners)
  • Net profits exceeded $150,000 in 2019 OR gross revenue exceeded $250,000 in 2019

Priority consideration will be given to businesses in industries most adversely impacted by the economic effects of the pandemic such as:

  • Restaurants, coffee shops, ice cream parlors, fast food, fast casual
  • Personal care services (e.g.: barber shops, hair salons, nail salons, eyebrow/eyelash services, massage, tanning)
  • Bars, breweries, tasting rooms
  • Community-serving services (e.g.: florists, tailors, dry cleaners, cobblers, embroidery, car wash, dog wash, etc.)
  • Events industry
  • Fitness (e.g.: gyms, dance and fitness studios, personal trainers, yoga, martial arts, etc.)
  • Retail (clothing, home-improvement supplies and goods, electronics, beauty products)
  • Daycare/childcare including afterschool programs, daycare, tutoring, indoor and outdoor youth sports such as gymnastics, dance, etc.
  • Manufacturing (e.g.: food and clothing manufacturers)
  • Senior care
  • Home-based businesses (i.e. child care)

Priority consideration will be given to businesses located in the following economically disadvantaged areas:

  • Zip Codes with Higher than Average Unemployment Rates
  • Businesses that did not receive COVID relief funding through:
    (having received this type of financial assistance does not disqualify an applicant from receiving a grant under this program)

    • Paycheck Protection Program
    • Small Business Debt Relief
    • Restaurant Relief Fund
    • Shuttered Venue Operators Grant
    • Small Business Stimulus Grant Program
    • California Relief Grant
    • City of San Diego Small Business Relief Fund
    • County of San Diego Relief Fund

Eligible costs are only those costs incurred due to the COVID-19 pandemic (stated timeframe of Jan. 27, 2020 to Dec. 31, 2023) as well as the health and safety restrictions such as business interruptions or business closures incurred as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The following are the eligible uses of grant funds:

  • All employee expenses including payroll costs, health care benefits, paid sick, medical, or family leave, and insurance premiums
  • Working capital and overhead, including rent, utilities, mortgage principal and interest payments (excluding mortgage prepayments), and debt obligations (including principal and interest) incurred before March 1, 2020 (for example, to be an eligible debt obligation, the loan agreement, promissory note, etc., as applicable, must have been entered into before March 1, 2020)
  • Costs associated with reopening business operations after being fully or partially closed due to state-mandated COVID-19 health and safety restrictions and business closures
  • Costs associated with complying with COVID-19 federal, state, or local guidelines for reopening with required safety protocols, including but not limited to equipment, plexiglass barriers, outdoor dining, PPE supplies, testing, and employee training expenses
  • Any other COVID-19 related expenses not already covered through grants, forgivable loans, or other relief through federal, state, county, or city programs
  • Any other COVID-19 related costs which are not one of the ineligible uses of funds

On-Demand Training

Office Hours

  • Mondays 9 a.m.-noon at the South San Diego SBDC (services also available in Spanish)
  • Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays 9 a.m.-noon at the South County EDC (services also available in Spanish), or call 619-424-5143 to schedule outside of office hours
  • By appointment Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays from 9 a.m.-noon at the Chula Vista Chamber of Commerce; call 619-420-6603 to schedule

Open Houses

  • Wednesday, Oct. 19 from 4-7 p.m. at the Southwestern College Wellness Center (corner of H St. and Otay Lakes Rd.) – get directions
  • Thursday, Oct. 20 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Chula Vista Chamber of Commerce (233 4th Ave., chamber board room) – get directions

Advising Support

The SBDC provides free 1:1 business advising for all business matters. To request an appointment with an advisor, please:

  1. Complete this brief form for assistance.
  2. Pay attention to your email. You will receive an email from our administration team within 24 hours with a link to schedule your 1:1 advising appointment.
  3. Use the link sent via email to schedule your 1:1 advising appointment.

Document Tutorials

  1. Gather the following documents:
    • 2019 Federal Tax Return
    • Signed W9
    • Signed Grant Agreement
    • Current City of Chula Vista Business Business License or other proof that states the business is located in or operating in the the City of Chula Vista. Examples of other proof may include:
      • California State professional license
      • 2019 tax filing with Schedule C
      • County of Chula Vista Fictitious Business Name
      • State of California sales tax certificate + proof of at least one payment
  2. Click the “Apply Now” button to complete the online application.
  3. Need help? Look on this page under “Get Help” to request assistance.

Nonprofits

Nonprofit organizations that meet the following criteria are should apply:

  1. Located in or serve the City of Chula Vista
  2. Have a demonstratable decline in revenue or service due to COVID-19
  3. In operation before April 1, 2020

  • Application Period: 8/29/2022 – 10/27/2021 (closes at 5 p.m.)
  • Applications will be reviewed within 10 business days of the date you applied. Please pay attention to your email and phone messages during this period of time so we can contact you if additional information is required to process your application.
  • No grant notifications will be sent prior to the end November 2022.

You will need to gather the following documents to submit with your application:

A nonprofit is not eligible to apply if:

  • It is not currently located in nor serves the City of Chula Vista
  • It is in one of the following industries:
    • Adult entertainment
    • Cannabis
    • Arms dealer
    • Any other exclusion noted by the American Rescue Plan act
  • It does not have a demonstrated decline in revenue or service due to COVID-19

Priority consideration will be given to nonprofits which focus on the following areas: performing arts, music and culture; early childhood education; senior services; and organizations involved in health, nutrition and well-being of the residents of Chula Vista.

Eligible costs are only those costs incurred due to the COVID-19 pandemic (stated timeframe of Jan. 27, 2020 to Dec. 31, 2023) as well as the health and safety restrictions such as business interruptions or business closures incurred as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The following are the eligible uses of grant funds:

  • All employee expenses including payroll costs, health care benefits, paid sick, medical, or family leave, and insurance premiums
  • Working capital and overhead, including rent, utilities, mortgage principal and interest payments (excluding mortgage prepayments), and debt obligations (including principal and interest) incurred before March 1, 2020 (For example, to be an eligible debt obligation, the loan agreement, promissory note, etc., as applicable, must have been entered into before March 1, 2020)
  • Costs associated with reopening business operations after being fully or partially closed due to state-mandated COVID-19 health and safety restrictions and business closures
  • Costs associated with complying with COVID-19 federal, state, or local guidelines for reopening with required safety protocols, including but not limited to equipment, plexiglass barriers, outdoor dining, PPE supplies, testing, and employee training expenses
  • Any other COVID-19 related expenses not already covered through grants, forgivable loans, or other relief through federal, state, county or city programs
  • Any other COVID-19 related costs which are not one of the ineligible uses of funds

On-Demand Training

Office Hours

  • Mondays 9 a.m.-noon at the South San Diego SBDC (services also available in Spanish)
  • Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays 9 a.m.-noon at the South County EDC (services also available in Spanish), or call 619-424-5143 to schedule outside of office hours
  • By appointment Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays from 9 a.m.-noon at the Chula Vista Chamber of Commerce; call 619-420-6603 to schedule

Open Houses

  • Wednesday, Oct. 19 from 4-7 p.m. at the Southwestern College Wellness Center (corner of H St. and Otay Lakes Rd.) – get directions
  • Thursday, Oct. 20 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Chula Vista Chamber of Commerce (233 4th Ave., chamber board room) – get directions

Advising Support

The SBDC provides free 1:1 business advising for all business matters. To request an appointment with an advisor, please:

  1. Complete this brief form for assistance.
  2. Pay attention to your email. You will receive an email from our administration team within 24 hours with a link to schedule your 1:1 advising appointment.
  3. Use the link sent via email to schedule your 1:1 advising appointment.

Document Tutorials

  1. Gather the following documents:
    • If your nonprofit started before 2020:
      • 2019 Tax Returns
      • Signed W9
      • Signed Grant Agreement
      • Documentation proving you serve the people or businesses in the City of Chula Vista (if located outside of the City of Chula Vista)
    • If your nonprofit started January – April 2020
      • Documentation proving you serve the people or businesses in the City of Chula Vista (if located outside of the City of Chula Vista)
      • 2020 Tax Returns
  2. Click the “Apply Now” button to complete the online application.
  3. Need help? Look on this page under “Get Help” to request assistance.