Kings County to roll out $5 million to support county's small business community hurt by pandemic

The funds are to be used for eligible COVID-19 operating expenses and to cover future expenses related to the harmful effects that the shutdown orders have had on small businesses in Kings County. The Kings County Job Training Office and Kings County Economic Development Corporation are slated to administer the program countywide in partnership with multiple other organizations that are assisting in the effort. 

“In this time of uncertainty, we need to invest in small businesses to help them weather the storm that is sinking their ship,” said Supervisor Doug Verboon.

Proposed initially at $2 million, the Kings County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously on July 14, 2020, meeting to increase the allocation to $5 million, prioritizing small businesses that have struggled during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Our small businesses are dying on the vine,” said Supervisor Richard Valle.  “The time for talking is over. We put our money where our mouth is by providing $5 Million to help small businesses with grants that are large enough to provide real help. By saving businesses, we save jobs and give families a fighting chance to survive.”

Eligible businesses include for-profit and non-profit businesses with 25 full-time employees or less.  Applicants must attest that they, at a minimum, partially shut down in compliance with the executive orders issued by California Governor Gavin Newsom.  Qualified businesses include restaurants that suspended indoor dining but still offered takeout ordering, as well as businesses that completely ceased operations.

“The Small Business Assistance Program will offer encouragement to business owners in these uncertain times and maintain the value of small business in our communities for the future,” observed Supervisor Joe Neves.

Applicants may use the funding for the following purposes:

• Payroll and benefit costs
• Unemployment insurance costs incurred by the employer if such costs will not be reimbursed by the federal government pursuant to the CARES Act.
• Rent or mortgage payments to avoid eviction or foreclosure as a result of the closure orders issued by the Governor’s office
• Unpaid utility fees; and/or,
• Inventory or supplies required to safely reopen the business, including Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), disinfectants, sanitizers, etc. and expenditures to adapt spaces for outdoor services/dining.

Pending the availability of funding, a minimum of 250 Kings County small businesses are anticipated to receive assistance.

Once finalized, the application packet will be available online, and upon email request to info.KingsJTO@co.kings.ca.us.  If a business wants to be added to the contact list to receive a copy of the application packet as soon as it is ready, please email malisa.simon@co.kings.ca.us.