The SLO Chamber, in partnership with Comevo, is thrilled to announce the grant recipients of the inaugural SLO County Small Business Relief Fund.

Comevo, a technology company that specializes in online orientation software, provided $75,000 in immediate funding to San Luis Obispo County businesses disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Grant recipients for the SLO County Small Business Relief Fund were notified via video conference on Tuesday, May 19th. 

“As a long time business in downtown SLO, I am deeply grateful to be a recipient of this grant that will help our business survive through these unpredictable times.” said Jim Dee, owner and operator of the Palm Theatre. “I’ve always had a sense of community in our special town, and this partnership from Comevo and the SLO Chamber exemplifies the thoughtful and caring support for business that make San Luis Obipspo unique.” 

Some recipients will use the funds for basic operating costs such as utilities and inventory, while others hope to update their business model and operations to reflect the new health and safety practices that need to be in place before they can reopen. 

“95% of our customers are tourists, so it will be some time before our business recovers,” said Katie Hayward, owner of Uncorked Wine Tours. “It’s been a hard two months of being forced to temporarily close, but this grant is a breath of fresh air. Our community is amazing and this showing of support for small business warms my heart.” 

The applications, open from May 7 – 14, saw an overwhelming response with nearly 600 businesses applying to receive a grant. In the end, 15 businesses across a breadth of industries and locations throughout our county received $5,000 each:

  • Savvi Skin Studio, SLO
  • Trillium Massage, SLO
  • Global Forensic Services, SLO
  • Thrive Training Center, Inc., Atascadero
  • Rocket Fizz, SLO
  • Aurora Adventures, Morro Bay
  • Hair Haven, SLO
  • Parlour-A Hair Salon, SLO
  • Summerland Co, SLO
  • Hive Natural Beauty Collective, SLO
  • Hop’s Bounce House, Atascadero
  • CrossFit Paso Robles, Paso Robles
  • Palm Theatre, SLO
  • Big SLO Bike, SLO

“While our revenue has grown as a result of the online space we’re all operating in, we know that many other businesses have been completely devastated.” said Scott Machado, CEO of Comevo. “We were in a fortunate enough position to give back to the community, and our hope is that others will be inspired to partner with the Chamber to do the same.”

At this time, a second round of funding has not been scheduled, however the Chamber is putting out a call for any other businesses who would like to join the effort to support small businesses in the County who have experienced detrimental effects of COVID’s economic impact. The first round of grants from the Relief Fund came entirely from Comevo.

If you or your business is interested in donating to the SLO County Small Business Relief Fund, please reach out to us at slochamber@slochamber.org.