Dear Sean,

We invite you to view our upcoming LIVE webinar and learn about different grants or funding programs for your small business.

Upcoming LIVE Webinar:

Financial Projections

Small Biz Blog Client Spotlight:

Verus Wellness

Karla Andrade is the owner of Verus Wellness, LLC, and her journey began with a vision to address the limited access to registered dietitians faced by the majority of the population. Recognizing the need for health consulting services beyond hospital settings, she expanded her business from personal training to health consulting. Through networking and meeting with other providers, she realized the shared challenges in their respective sectors and sought ways to bridge the gap in healthcare access.

Karla's mentor, who had previously received assistance from the SBDC, recommended the University of La Verne and specifically Sean, a business mentor at SBDC, to help Karla with her business plan and marketing strategies. "I have a business mentor, and Sean had helped her in previous years... She put me in contact with the University of La Verne, specifically with Sean,” Karla explained. Having no prior business education, Karla found the support of SBDC invaluable in her journey to develop a comprehensive business plan and marketing approach.

"I just want to say thank you to all of you guys for everything you have done. I've said this to my mentor and Sean, there is no way as a small business owner that I could afford the kind of help that Sean has provided and the University of La Verne SBDC"

- Karla Andrade

Grants and Funding Programs

Small Business Growth Fund

Description:

The Small Business Growth Fund is back for the third and final round of 2023! In partnership with the Global Entrepreneurship Network (GEN) and with funding from Etsy and Progressive, the Small Business Growth Fund provides small business owners the capital they need to make their next move. Recipients will receive $5,000-$25,000 grants to help accelerate their growth and achieve their goals. Applications close Friday, October 27, 2023, at 6 p.m. 

The Fedex Entrepreneur Fund

Description:

In partnership with Hello Alice and the Global Entrepreneurship Network(GEN), FedEx has launched the second round of the FedEx® Entrepreneur Fund to support entrepreneurs in the United States by providing them with $300,000 in grants and educational resources. This program is designed to offer entrepreneurs the necessary funding, resources, and networks to enhance the success of their businesses.

Through the FedEx® Entrepreneur Fund, thirty (30) grants of $10,000 each will be awarded to entrepreneurs who have a connection to the military and/or entrepreneurs with disabilities.

Applications close October 6, 2023.

Etsy Emergency Relief Fund at CERF+

Description:

Etsy is committed to helping our creative entrepreneurs recover when disasters disrupt their businesses. We’ve partnered with CERF+, a nonprofit organization focused on helping artists prepare for and recover from emergencies and disasters, to create a disaster relief fund just for Etsy sellers. Each quarter, we work with CERF+ to award grants to a select number of eligible sellers. Any Etsy seller who has experienced a federally declared disaster within the past year may apply for a grant, as long as they’ve been an active seller on Etsy for at least one year, and their accounts with Etsy are in good standing.

California Small Agricultural Business Drought & Flood Relief Grant Program

Description:

The California Small Agricultural Business Drought & Flood Relief Grant Program will provide relief to small agricultural businesses that experienced a decline in annual gross receipts or gross profits due to drought or storm flood conditions.

The Amber Grant

About the Amber Grant

WomensNet founded the Amber Grant Foundation in 1998. The Foundation was set up with one goal in mind: to honor the memory of a very special young woman, Amber Wigdahl, who died at just 19 years old — before realizing her business dreams.

Today, WomensNet carries on that tradition, giving away at $10,000 every month in Amber Grant money. Each of those monthly winners is then eligible for our year-end grant of $25,000.

How Do I Apply For an Amber Grant?

Applying is simple. Just take a few minutes to tell us about yourself and your business dream. No long, complicated forms to fill out. We announce the $10,000 Amber Grant recipient the first week of every month, and the $25,000 annual winner every January. 

California Small Business and Nonprofit COVID-19 Supplemental Paid Sick Leave Relief Grant Program

The Program will award funds to eligible businesses and nonprofits that have incurred costs for COVID-19 Supplemental Paid Sick Leave pursuant to Sections 248.6 and 248.7 of the Labor Code. Funds are limited and will be awarded based on eligibility and availability of funds. This Program was created in accordance with California AB 152 and is administered by the California Office of the Small Business Advocate (CalOSBA).  Round 2 opens soon. Sign up to be notified when Round 2 opens.

PACE Small Business Grant

Description:

The PACE Small Business Grant Program is a $5,000 or $10,000 grant fund for small businesses located within the Unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County – District 1.

This Program helps small businesses by providing grants that can be used to cover business expenses including payroll, rent, working capital, and inventory. Those who qualify will be contacted by our team for the application process.

This program is funded through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Community Block Grant allocated to Supervisor Hilda Solis, First Supervisory District. The program helps stabilize struggling small businesses by providing financial and technical assistance located within the unincorporated areas of the 1st District.

Metro Business Interruption Fund

Metro’s BIF is administered as a pilot program in partnership with PCR. PCR uses the BIF to provide financial assistance to small “mom and pop” businesses impacted by transit rail construction along the Crenshaw/LAX Transit Project, the Little Tokyo Regional Connector with its 2nd/Broadway segment, and Section 1, Section 2 and Section 3 of the Purple Line Extension. 

Jewish Free Loan Association (JFLA)

City of Claremont CDBG Job Creation and Business Incentive Grant Program

For prospective and existing business owners who need financial help, the City is offering the Job Creation & Business Incentive Program that provides a forgivable loan, in exchange of job creation for low-income persons.

Eligible Business

To qualify for this program, the business has to either be a new business, or an existing business wanting to expand its gross floor area by 50% of more. These businesses must fall under one of the following categories:

• Retail
• Quality food establishments
• Entertainment businesses (must sell concessions/food items)

Job Creation Requirement

• 1 new full-time equivalent job must be created per $25,000 of the loan awarded.

PACE Disaster Relief Loans

Businesses must prove financial hardship and should be located in Los Angeles County or nearby counties

• Loan Amount - $5,000 to $250,000
• Interest Rate - 7.5% to 8%
• Term - Up to 7 years

TMC Community Capital -

Microloan Programs

Microloan Lite

• Loan Range: $5,000 to $15,000
• Term: 1 - 3 years
• Interest Rate: 6-7%
• Processing Fee: 5%

Microloan

• Loan Range: $15,001 to $50,000
• Term: 2 - 5 years
• Interest Rate: 6 - 9%
• Processing Fee: 5%