Frequently Asked Questions

About the Placer California Microbusiness COVID-19 Relief Grant Program

Where does this money come from?

Placer County has received funding from the California Office of the Small Business Advocate to administer directly to microbusinesses within the County. The intent of the funding is to provide relief to the hardest to reach microbusinesses and entrepreneurs. The Placer County Board of Supervisors has approved this program, which distributes grant funding to businesses that have been hard-hit by the pandemic and associated shutdowns. This grant program will distribute those funds. 

Placer County has contracted with Sierra Business Council to administer the application and provide technical assistance. 

How much funding is available through the Placer Microbusiness Grant Program? 

The California Office of the Small Business Advocate (Cal OSBA) has allocated funding to each county in the state based on population. Less administrative costs, Placer County has $412,500 available to distribute to qualified microbusinesses. The first round of grant funding ended on March 31st and a total of $137,500 was distributed to 55 eligible participants. The second round closed on June 10^th and $45,000 was distributed to 18 recipients. A total of $230,000 remains to be awarded on a first-come, first-serve basis. 

What are the sizes of the awards?

Qualified businesses may receive $2,500 in a one-time payment dependent upon approval of application and availability of funds. 

Will I need to pay the money back? Is this a grant program or a loan program?

This is a grant program, not a loan, so you will not need to pay the money back. The only exception is if you do not use all the funds, or if you do not use them in the manner stated on your application. 

What can funds be spent on?

Per the CalOSBA Guidelines, eligible use of funds are: 

• The purchase of new certified equipment including, but not limited to, a cart. 
• Investment in working capital.
• Application for, or renewal of, a local permit including, but not limited to, a permit to operate as a sidewalk vendor.
• Payment of business debt accrued due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 
• Costs resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic and related health and safety restrictions, or business interruptions or closures incurred as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, as defined in subdivision (l) of Section 12100.83.

Are funds allocated on a first-come, first-served basis for qualified applicants?

Yes. Applications will be accepted until funding is expended. 

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 with 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.

Applying for the Grant

How do I apply?

You can apply online on this website. You can begin the application process at  https://www.placer.ca.gov/bizgrants

When does the application open?

Applications are accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis. Only complete, submitted applications will be considered. 

What’s the deadline to apply?

Applications are accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis. Only complete, submitted applications will be considered. 

Does the application save once I have started it? 

Your application will AUTOMATICALLY save once you start it. You can leave the application or close the browser at any point, and the application will be automatically saved when you return.

You can also click the “SAVE APPLICATION” button at the bottom of the form to see a summary of your in-progress application.

Do I have to fill out the application online? Can I submit my application via mail or in person?

All applications must be filled out online. No physical applications will be accepted. Applications can be filled out with a mobile phone. If you need help accessing a computer with Internet access, please visit your local library for free access. 

How can I get help with my application?

If you need assistance, you can contact Sierra Business Council, the grant administrator, at 530-582-5022, or email [email protected]. Assistance in Spanish is available.

I own/operate more than one business or nonprofit organization. Am I allowed to submit an application for each business/nonprofit I own if they meet the qualifications?

No, you may only apply one time even if you own, co-own, or operate multiple businesses or nonprofits. Only one business will be eligible.

My business has multiple locations. How do I know if I qualify? 

Your application answers and financial information must pertain only to locations in Placer County. 

If my business is declined, may I reapply?

You may not reapply if your application is declined. Please make sure you fill out the application accurately and completely. A decline will likely be for ineligibility or incomplete applications. Please see the eligibility information above.

What documentation will I need to submit my application?

1. Complete 2019 business tax return, OR a business license, OR a business checking bank statement, OR business financial statements from 2019
2. IRS Form W-9 (available in English and en español)
3. ID verification, such as a photo/scan of a driver’s license, Real ID, or passport, or other TIN identification. 

Why do I need to fill out a W-9?

The county is required to report grant funding information to the United States Treasury at the end of the year, which is done using W-9 forms. Filling out a W-9 now will help us send out checks more quickly to successful applicants. No funds will be disbursed without a W-9 and applications will be deemed incomplete without the W-9.

Why are you asking for a business financial statement or tax return?

Your financial statements allow us to verify that your business is active in Placer County; meets the eligibility requirements for revenue; practices sound financial management; and is financially viable.

How do I upload the required documents?

When you get to the upload part of the application, you can search your device for the document you need, and then upload it. 

Do I need to submit all the documents? What if I don’t have all the documents that I need to apply?

You must submit ALL the required documents. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

How can I prove my business was in operation prior to or on December 31, 2019?

You will need to attest that your business or nonprofit was in operation by clicking the box on the application. You must also submit your 2019 business documents listed above. 

What if I have multiple locations for a single business, which address should I use?

Please select what you might consider the “primary” business location. 

What if I accidentally made a mistake or entered incorrect information on my application? 

You can save and edit your application until you submit it. You do not need to complete it all in one sitting. Please take your time on your application and do not submit it until you are sure it is complete and correct.

What do I do if I need a W-9?

You can click to fill out a blank W-9 Form in English or in Spanish.

What is the definition of a woman-, veteran- or minority-owned business?

• For woman-owned: Be at least 51% directly owned and controlled by one or more women.
• For veteran-owned: Be at least 51% directly owned and controlled by one or more veterans.
• For minority-owned: To be certified as a minority-owned business, your company must be at least 51% owned, operated, and controlled by a minimum of one owner whose racial or ethnic background is Asian Indian, Asian Pacific, Black, Native American or Hispanic, as defined by the U.S. Small Business Administration 8A program for Disadvantaged Businesses (see 13 CFR §124.103). To read more, please click here             .

Do applicants receive a confirmation that they submitted their application?

Yes, you will receive a confirmation email upon submission of your application.

Selection Process

Are funds allocated on a first-come, first-served basis for qualified applicants?

Yes. Applications are now open first-come, first serve until funding is expended. 

How will applications be selected to receive funding?

Applications are accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis. Applications will be evaluated for eligibility. Once available funding has been expended, the application will close. 

Receiving Grant Funds

How will I be contacted or know if I will receive a grant?

You will be notified of your award by email. Be sure to check your email regularly, including your spam folders. Emails to applicants will come from Placer Micro Biz Grant Program <[email protected]>.

Will I be contacted if I do not receive a grant?

Yes, you will be notified by email whether or not you receive a grant.

If I am selected to receive a grant, how much money will I get?

Businesses may receive $2,500

How will I receive funds?

A paper check will be sent to the mailing address on your application. 

Am I required to set up a new bank account specifically for these funds?

No.

Will there be more grants available in the future?

This is the third round for the Microbusiness Relief Grant and will be open until funds are exhausted. We cannot guarantee future grant funding and recommend submitting an application ASAP for this program to be considered for a $2,500 grant.

Is my small business taxed on this grant?

The Placer Micro Biz Grant Program cannot provide tax advice to those who receive payments. The administrators recommend that claimants consult with personal tax advisors for any questions regarding tax liability for these payments. Any taxes associated with accepting or using the grant funds are the responsibility of the awardee.

Using Grant Funding

If my business receives a grant, what can I use the money for? What can’t I use the money for?

• The purchase of new certified equipment including, but not limited to, a cart. 
• Investment in working capital.
• Application for, or renewal of, a local permit including, but not limited to, a permit to operate as a sidewalk vendor.
• Payment of business debt accrued due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 
• Costs resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic and related health and safety restrictions, or business interruptions or closures incurred as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, as defined in subdivision (l) of Section 12100.83.

What’s required of me if I receive a grant? Are there any strings attached?

If selected, you must use these funds for valid COVID-19-related expenses identified in your application. Funds may not be used for different business or personal expenses. Funding is not transferable. 

Do I have to pay the money back, like a loan?

No. The funds you receive are a grant, not a loan, and do not need to be paid back.

Other Questions

My business is struggling, I need help. Where can I go?

You should contact the Sierra Small Business Development Center for free business counseling by sending an email to [email protected].

If I have questions after reading this FAQ, what do I do?

Call Sierra Business Council, the grant administrator, at 530-582-5022, or email [email protected].