May 22, 2020
Mini-Grant Program
Sonoma Safe Open Kits

The Sonoma Valley Chamber is pleased to announce the launch of a Mini-Grant program aimed at helping small businesses secure the supplies they need to safely reopen.

The Micro-grant program would help small businesses purchase a kit that includes:

• 1 Box (50 ct) Medical Grade, 3 Ply Masks
• 2 boxes (100 ct) latex/nitrile Gloves 
• 1 Gallon Eucalyptus Gel Hand Sanitizer
• 1 Hand Sanitizer Wall Dispenser
• 1 Gallon Disinfectant/Sanitizer Concentrate
• 1 5-liter Disinfectant Pail
• 3 32-oz Spray Bottles for Disinfectant
• 2 Cans (300 ct) Disinfecting Dispenser Wipes
 
It will be limited to small, independently owned businesses in Sonoma Valley who have been impacted by the COVID shutdown.  The “Starter Kit” costs approximately $230.00 and currently this Mini-grant program will fund the purchase of kits for 80+ local businesses.  

“We are very excited to offer this program to our community,” said John Bast (Edward Jones), current Board President for the Chamber. “We see this as a way to help businesses and to play an active role in promoting a safe and responsible reopening of our local economy.”

To be eligible, businesses must meet the following criteria:
  • Independently owned business with publicly accessible location based in Sonoma Valley
  • Fewer than 25 employees (Full Time Equivalent) 
  • Open at least 2 years
  • Maximum Revenue $2 million
  • Had operations shut down or significantly reduced due to COVID-19
 
The Mini-Grant Application can be submitted beginning (today!) Friday, May 22 at Noon. Applicants who meet all of the criteria will be selected on a first come, first served basis. If there are still funds available, applicants who meet most, but not all, of the criteria will be considered on Wednesday, May 27.

The Safe Reopen Mini Grant is funded by the Sonoma Valley Chamber of Commerce with the help of an anonymous private donation and additional contributions from the City of Sonoma , Bank of Marin , Exchange Bank , Redwood Credit Union , Union Bank , Mechanics Bank , Haeuser, Valluzzo & Piasta, LLP , and Payroll Masters .  

“We sincerely appreciate the contributions that came in from our partners, which have allowed us to greatly expand this program,” said Mark Bodenhamer, CEO of the Sonoma Valley Chamber. “The City stepped up with a big donation that will get these kits out to many more small businesses and help to keep Sonoma Valley safe as we restart our economy.”  

The Safe Reopen Starter Kit is available for purchase for any business in Sonoma Valley. The program was designed in partnership with Sonoma Valley Visitors Bureau and Sonoma Valley Vintners & Growers Alliance . The kits will be procured by Vicor Restaurant Supply, a local business based on 8th St East just outside the City of Sonoma.

“One of the best parts of this program is how hyper-local it is. We’re using a local business to access hard-to-find protective supplies for other local businesses. We’re even offering Hanson Spirits’ Hand Sanitizer as part of the kit,” Bodenhamer added. “We’re very excited to help our businesses get back on their feet safely and in a way that supports others in the Valley. It’s a win/win for sure.” 

For more info, or to notify the Chamber of Commerce of your businesses’ intent to apply, please email [email protected] .

Mini-Grant Program Application HERE .

If you would like the Safe Reopen Starter Kit but do not qualify for the Mini-Grant Program, you can use THIS ORDER FORM .
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