Eligibility Criteria

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Eligibility for Businesses


How do I know if my business is eligible for funding?

Before applying, everyone must go through an eligibility screening process, which will determine whether or not their business is eligible to apply. If your organization is deemed eligible, then you will be automatically directed to the application. You can review the eligibility screening and application process at https://www.placer.ca.gov/bizgrants.

If you are deemed eligible, you will be automatically directed to the application. If you are deemed ineligible, you will not be able to proceed to the application. After reviewing the eligibility criteria below, please call Sierra Business Council at 530-582-5022 if you believe there has been a mistake in your eligibility process so that we can correct it. 

Eligibility requirements for businesses:

 “Qualified microbusiness” means an entity that meets and self-certifies, under penalty of perjury, all of the following criteria:

  • Physical address within Placer County 
  • Prior to December 31, 2019, the microbusiness began its operation and was legally operating since that time, including being registered with the California Secretary of State, if required.
  • 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, as evidenced by at least a 10% reduction in revenue from the 2019 to 2020 taxable years.
  • 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 Government Code Section 12100.82.

“Qualified microbusiness owner” means an individual that meets and self-certifies, under

penalty of perjury, all of the following criteria:

  • 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:
    1. A local business permit or license or
    2. A bank statement or
    3. A tax return or
    4. Additional documentation to verify a microbusiness is a “qualified microbusiness”, as deemed appropriate by the fiscal agent.


Can I apply if I received funds from the California Relief Grant program?

No, you may not apply if you received funds from the California Relief Grant Program. 

Can I apply if I received funds from the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP)?

Yes, you can apply if you received funds from the Paycheck Protection Program or other pandemic-related grant or loan programs. 

Can I apply if I already received a grant from Placer Shares?

Yes, you can apply if you already received a grant from Placer Shares. 

Do I have to be a U.S. citizen to apply?

No, you do not need to be a U.S. citizen to apply. 

How does eligibility screening work?

To access the application, you must first pass the eligibility screening, which will determine whether or not your business is eligible for funds. You can review the application process at  https://www.placer.ca.gov/bizgrants.

What is the reasoning behind the eligible business size?

The intent of the funding from Cal OSBA is to provide relief to the hardest to reach microbusinesses and entrepreneurs. The County will implement an outreach and marketing plan to identify and engage eligible microbusinesses that face systemic barriers to access capital, including but not limited to, businesses owned by women, minorities, veterans, individuals without documentation, individuals with limited English proficiency, and business owners located in low-wealth and rural, communities.

Have more questions? 

Please visit the FAQs page.