SOLANO BIZ-GROW - a Small Business Resiliency Fund

The Solano County Economic Development Corporation (Solano EDC), with funding from the Solano County, announced the launch of the SOLANO BIZ-GROW small business loan program. The loan program is designed to assist small businesses and non-profits impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The $4 million loan program offers below market, fixed rate, loans with a 5-year term.  For more information about the program, including eligibility and how to apply, please contact Wendi Reed, Solano EDC Loan Program Manager, at 707-864-1855, ext. 21 or [email protected]; or visit https://solanoedc.org/solano-biz-grow-1/revolving-loan-fund/.

Backing Small Businesses 2024

In 2021, American Express and Main Street America created the Backing Small Businesses grant program to help under-resourced and economically vulnerable small business owners recover from the COVID-19 pandemic and grow their businesses. Now in its third year, the program will increase grants awarded and double total funding to more than $5.7 million to further support under-resourced and economically vulnerable small business owners in building their economic vitality and fostering a thriving community. In March 2024, applications will open for 500 small business grants of $10,000 to eligible businesses in the U.S. and U.S. territories.  Applications Close at 11:59 p.m. CT on April 7, 2024 (or once 5,000 applications have been submitted, so early submitting is encouraged).

Of the 500 recipients selected for $10,000 grants, a limited subset of 25 recipients will be awarded $30,000 Enhancement Grants, which will allow those business owners the opportunity to create transformative change within their business and in their community (for example, by giving back, partnering with community members, addressing cultural, environmental and/or access needs in their community, opening a new location and/or adding staffing).

Please note that project proposals for the $10,000 grant application should be feasible to complete with only the $10,000 award. The $30,000 Enhancement Grants are available only to recipients of the initial $10,000 grant who successfully complete their projects. Enhancement Grant project proposals are completed separately, through the final grant report for the initial $10,000 grant. 

For a full list of FAQs and Terms, please see the program website.

Program Timeline

• Applications Open on March 14, 2024
• Applications Close at 11:59 p.m. CT on April 7, 2024 (or once 5,000 applications have been submitted, if that occurs before April 7, so early submitting is encouraged)
• Grant Recipients Notified by mid-June 2024
• Grant Funds Spending Deadline at 11:59 p.m. CT on September 9, 2024.
• Grant Reports Due by September 16, 2024

Workshop information and images to be included soon!