October 2, 2020 — San Juan County has extended its Small Business Relief Grant program originally launched on September 1, 2020, to assist for-profit businesses impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak, and opened eligibility to more organizations. Awards will range up to $5,000 for eligible San Juan County businesses to help them to remain open, retain jobs, and comply with COVID-19 prevention public health and safety measures.  The application process is administered by the San Juan County EDC and an independent panel will make final award determinations.  Funding for this program comes from CARES Act money received by the County.

Applicants must be located within San Juan County and have been in business for at least one year with up to 10 full-time equivalent (FTE) employees as of March 11, 2020, including the owner(s).  The minimum number of FTE employees has been reduced to allow sole proprietors to apply. This grant program is also open to childcare businesses and the Family Resource Centers.  Qualifying businesses can visit the grant webpage at www.sanjuansedc.org/sjccaresfor program details, which includes the complete text of the “Notification of Funding Available” (NOFA)and application portal.  The deadline to apply is Thursday, October 15^that midnight.  Grant recipients will be notified on October 27^th.

Awards are based on need and the availability of funds. The grant funds are to reimburse costs associated with asymptomatic testing for employees, purchase of personal protective equipment (PPE) and exposure controls, business rent and utilities, and pivoting a business to online sales.  Grantees who have previously received funding from the Working Washington Small Business Emergency Grant, the Friday Harbor Business Rent Relief Grant, U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation “Save Small Business” grantor the Valmark Back-to-Business Grant programs are not eligible.  Nonprofits other than childcare providers and the FRC’s are not eligible for this program.  Grant funds may not be used to cover the same expenses covered by federal funds from the Payroll Protection Program (PPP) or Emergency Economic Injury Grant portion of EIDL.

Application Process:Applications will be reviewed by an independent committee at the close of the application window.  Applicants must upload itemized expenses and a signed eligibility certification form. Please visit www.sanjuansedc.org/sjccares for more information and application portal.