Dear Friends,

The economic impact of COVID-19 has been catastrophic for small businesses. Diverse communities such as City Heights have been hit especially hard, and many small businesses owned by people of color have had challenges accessing limited Federal, State, and City relief funds.

In an effort to help these locally owned businesses survive the current crisis and sustain their operations for the long-term, LISC San Diego has joined with members of the City Heights Economic Development Collaborative to launch the City Heights Business Relief Fund. Partner organizations include City Heights CDC, City Heights Business Association, El Cajon Boulevard BIA, and the International Rescue Committee. This fund is supported by generous contributions from U.S. Bank Foundation, Price Philanthropies, SDG&E, Union Bank, and The Hervey Foundation.

The fund will provide grants of up to $10,000 and technical assistance to businesses in City Heights facing immediate financial pressure as a result of COVID-19. Priority will be given to established women and minority owned businesses that contribute significantly to the City Heights economy. The grants and technical assistance will help businesses fill urgent financial gaps -- from paying rent to payroll to covering lost profits to making physical, technology and operational improvements to comply with physical distancing requirements -- until they can resume normal operations.

Applications will be accepted June 10th - June 24th. Link to online application:



Sincerely,

Enrique Gandarilla
Executive Director
City Heights Business Association
619-906-4443
CHBA has compiled on our website an extensive list of small business resources from federal, state, local and private organizations: Small Business Resources
City Heights Business Association | cityheightsba.org