Today, the County of San Luis Obispo officially launched its Road to Recovery program to help local businesses mitigate the harmful economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. By funding this program before American Rescue Plan Act was signed into law, the County took a preemptive step at delivering local relief dollars to the community. The addition of these funds, which this plan did not anticipate, will strengthen further efforts.

This initiative takes a four-pronged approach to offer relief to small businesses.

“The County Board of Supervisors is thrilled to be able to bring financial support and resources to the small business community that has been negatively impacted by COVID-19,” said Supervisor Dawn Ortiz-Legg. “This funding will help local businesses continue to bridge the economic challenges they face amidst the pandemic.”

The Road to Recovery approach includes:

  1. Revamping and updating www.RecoverSLO.org/RecoveryResources.
  2. A $50,000 micro-grant program for small businesses (employers with 50 or fewer employees) in the unincorporated areas of San Luis Obispo County. Applications will be available starting April 6.
  3. Allocating $55,000 in aid to SLO County educational support services, earmarked for young childcare centers.
  4. Allocating $25,000 to support 211 or others in general support of small businesses and residential recovery.

At the center of the Road to Recovery program is a comprehensive communication plan to inform local businesses about resources such as financial assistance, as they become available.

“The County Board of Supervisors wants to help our constituents as San Luis Obispo County is on the road to recovery,” said Supervisor John Peschong. “Local business owners and managers now have an online hub with all of the COVID-19 recovery resources available to them in one easy-to-access place: www.RecoverSLO.org.”

For updates on COVID-19 in SLO County, visit ReadySLO.org or call the recorded Public Health Information Line at (805) 788-2903. A staffed phone assistance center at (805) 543-2444 is available 7 days a week, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. to assist with COVID-19 questions.