The County will provide one-time $2,500 grants to 1,470 Orange County microbusinesses facing barriers to accessing capital. Small businesses owners, including women, veterans, minorities, individuals without documentation, and individuals with limited English proficiency, are encouraged to apply.

Qualified microbusiness owner eligibility requirements:

• The microbusiness owner is the majority-owner and manager of the qualified microbusiness.

• The microbusiness owner’s primary means of income in the 2019 taxable year was the qualified microbusiness.

• The microbusiness owner did not receive a grant under the California Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant Program.

• The microbusiness owner can demonstrate their eligibility as a “qualified microbusiness owner” by providing the fiscal agent with a government issued photo identification (state, domestic, or foreign), and documentation that includes the owner’s name and may include, but is not limited to, the following:

  • A local business permit or license.

  • A bank statement.

  • A tax return.

  • Trade account.

  • Third-party verification

Qualified microbusiness eligibility requirements:

• The microbusiness began its operation prior to December 31, 2019.

• The microbusiness is currently active and operating or has a clear plan to reopen when the state permits reopening of the business.

• The microbusiness was significantly impacted by COVID-19 pandemic.

• The microbusiness had less than fifty thousand dollars ($50,000) in revenues in the 2019 taxable year.

• The microbusiness currently has fewer than five full-time equivalent employees and had fewer than five full-time equivalent employees in the 2019 and 2020 taxable years.

• The microbusiness is not a business excluded from participation in the California Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant Program, as specified in paragraph (2) of subdivision (f) of Section 12100.82.

Late applications will not be accepted. If a microbusiness is awarded a grant, the grant must be spent on eligible expenses before June 1, 2022. 

Grants will be awarded based on meeting the grant qualifications, demonstrating the ability to use the funds based on eligible use, priority grantee status and meeting the eligible microbusiness requirements. 

If you have any questions about the Orange County Microbusiness Grants, please email BusinessServices@ocworkforcesolutions.com or call the Orange County Business & Economic Recovery Call Center at 714-480-6500.