Earlier this month, the City of San Luis Obispo voted to allocate $3.4 million to economic development initiatives to support local businesses hardest hit by the ongoing effects of the pandemic. Here’s what’s available now with more on what’s to come:
SLO City Small Business Relief Fund
- In a second round of funding, the City and SLO Chamber will award 100 businesses $5,000 grants each
- Applications open Wednesday, December 23 and will remain open until 5 p.m. on Friday, January 8.
- See full eligibility and apply here.
Shop Local Incentive
- If you’re a small, local retail, restaurant, fitness or personal service business in the City of SLO the City will purchase $500 worth of gift cards from you. Fill out the Business Buy-In participation form to qualify.
- Shoppers can turn in receipts of $100 or more to receive a $20 gift card by emailing SUPPORTSLO@SLOCITY.ORG or dropping them off in-person at the San Luis Obispo Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center.
- Find full details on the program here.
Tenant Improvement Additions
- TIPP-FAST is a new streamlined process that promises a turnaround time of one week for tenant improvement permits
- Grant funding opportunities will be available for businesses going through the Tenant Improvement Permit process, including local investment of $2 million in Certificates of Deposit to generate interest that will be used to help offset the cost of the permit
Downtown vitality initiatives
- $425,000 has been set aside for existing programs such as Open SLO parklets, Mission Plaza dining and Light Up Downtown
- As additional needs arise, subsequent programs may be created to support the downtown businesses
Additional opportunities in San Luis Obispo County:
Morro Bay | Small Business Grant applications open until Jan. 1, 2021