The city of San Jose has set aside $2.75 million in federal American Rescue Plan Act funds to provide up to 400 grants of up to $15,000 each to small businesses towards owners' outstanding COVID-related rent debt.
Businesses must be currently active, located in a commercial building within San Jose, have 10 or fewer full-time employees and owe 60 days or more of back rent as of Dec. 9, 2022, to qualify for grant eligibility. Home-based businesses, franchises, nonprofits and religious organizations will not be considered for the grants.
According to the SBDC, the program is not"first come first served." A lottery will be used to select grant awards after the application process has closed.