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Small businesses in Solano County impacted by the recent closures of the Anheuser-Busch Brewery, Valero Refinery, and Mare Island Dry Dock may be eligible for new grant funding to support business stabilization and prevent layoffs.
The Workforce Development Board of Solano County, in partnership with the Solano-Napa Small Business Development Center, has launched the Solano Workforce Stability Grant Program to provide targeted financial assistance to businesses experiencing hardship due to these closures in Fairfield, Benicia, and Vallejo.
“When a major business shuts down, the ripple effects can have an immediate impact on small businesses,” said Dave Hubble, President/Executive Director of the Workforce Development Board of Solano County. “This funding can provide local impacted small businesses an opportunity to pivot to new market opportunities while maintaining their staff.”
Two funding tracks are available, with applications open through May 1, 2026. Businesses impacted by the Anheuser-Busch Brewery or Mare Island Dry Dock closures may apply for grants of up to $10,000, while those impacted by the Valero Refinery closure may apply for up to $25,000.
Businesses that receive funding must retain at least 50 percent of their current workforce for a minimum of six months after receiving their grant.
Funding may be used for activities that directly support business stabilization and layoff aversion. This can include operational pivots, technology upgrades, equipment or software purchases, workforce training, targeted marketing to replace lost revenue, supply chain adjustments, or new contract development. All proposed uses must clearly demonstrate how funds will help retain employees and prevent workforce reductions.
“Small businesses are the backbone of Solano County,” Hubble said. “If we can help them pivot and retain their employees during a changing economic landscape, that’s a win for the entire community.”
Grant funds may not be used for employee wages or salaries, rent or general operating expenses, debt payments, or other existing financial obligations. Construction, renovations, vehicle-related costs, and any expenses not directly tied to business stabilization or layoff aversion are also prohibited.
To be eligible, businesses must be physically located and operating in Solano County and hold a valid business license in one of the county’s seven cities. Applicants must meet the Small Business Administration definition of a small business (500 or fewer employees), demonstrate direct impact from one or more of the three closures, and show that at least one employee – not including the owner – is at risk of layoff.
Businesses impacted by more than one closure may submit separate applications for each funding opportunity, provided each application clearly demonstrates the specific impact. All applications must include a funding request, budget, and layoff aversion plan.
Eligible business structures include sole proprietorships with employees, partnerships, LLCs, and corporations. Owner-only businesses are not eligible. Businesses headquartered outside of Solano County may apply as long as funding supports local Solano County operations and employees.
Applications will be evaluated based on eligibility and the strength of the proposed plan to stabilize the business and retain workers.
The Solano WDB will host informational webinars for business owners to learn more about this funding opportunity at 3 pm on April 14 and April 21.
The Solano Workforce Stability Grant Program is funded through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Additional Assistance grants.
In addition to grant funding, this program includes support for impacted businesses via targeted consulting services by the Solano-Napa SBDC. Businesses are not required to receive grant funding to access these services. Applicants may be referred to or may directly access this support as part of the Solano WDB’s layoff aversion and business stabilization effort.
For more information, visit www.solanoemployment.org/funding
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