The City of San Luis Obispo awarded $150,000 in grant funding to 10 local businesses seeking to foster a thriving and diverse economy and create a welcoming community for all.
The purpose of this grant program is to address equity gaps within the San Luis Obispo community and enhance the sense of belonging for those most disenfranchised. Grant recipients include:
- Alpenglow Industries, $18,353 for 6 workshops to help underrepresented groups learn skills to seek entry level tech or manufacturing employment.
- Banchan Foods, $25,000 to increase culinary diversity and promote Korean culture in San Luis Obispo.
- Certified Auto Repair, $10,000 to cover vehicle repair mini-grants for diverse communities members experiencing a lack of or no transportation.
- Concussion Navigation Services, $10,000 for a program to provide specialty concussion rehab care to those who are uninsured, underinsured, marginalized, or economically insecure.
- Corazón Café, $9,011 to showcase and create a safe cultural space for underrepresented artwork, while giving back to the community through a donation system, and be a hub for cultural exchanges.
- Mission Headstrong, $23,336 to ensure that 15 coaches get certified by Autism Fitness™ and provide coaching for the autistic and neurodivergent community.
- Seeds, $14,800 for part of a program that will include community events advancing DEI through wellness and environmental awareness.
- Ten Over Studio, $15,000 for 5 affordable housing feasibility studies to local nonprofit developers.
- Texture, $12,000 to provide product inventory for hair care needs of underserved and underrepresented communities.
- Twig & Arrow Salon, $12,500 to educate and train salon staff on diverse and multicultural hair and makeup types, styles, and colors.
The City received 32 grant applications in March requesting a total of nearly $1 million. The City’s Human Relations Commission reviewed the grant applications and ultimately recommended that the City award grants to 10 local businesses. The City Council approved the commission’s recommendations in June and funds will be distributed in the fall.
This grant program is administered by the City’s Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, in partnership with the Office of Economic Development and Tourism. It is directly related to the Major City Goal of creating a more welcoming San Luis Obispo and will help local businesses create programs that support diversity, create equity, and foster inclusion.
For more information, visit www.slocity.org/Grants.