The City of San José's deadline to apply for the Small Business Rent Relief Grant Program is June 30, 2023. Small businesses located within the city since March 24, 2020 and have fewer than 10 employees may be eligible for awards of up to $15,000 under the program if they were more than 60 days past due on their rent to commercial landlords as of December, 9, 2022.

Purpose

The program seeks to provide stability to struggling businesses by relieving some of the burden of business rent debt that was acquired due to the COVID19 pandemic. For small businesses, cash flow can make the difference between staying in business and closing. Lockdowns during the pandemic meant not only a lack of cash flow but growing debt for many local entrepreneurs. However, City grants have already made an impact by allowing businesses such as Tax To Go (153 E. Julian St.) to get back on track.

Tax To Go’s owner, Thomas Le said, "I thought I was going to close my business due to high rent, COVID-19, and overhead. Through this grant, I’ve been able to continue helping San Jose’s downtown underserved low-income communities."

Thomas Le stands outside of his business Tax To Go Services located at 153 E. Julian St., San José.

With the Federal Eviction Moratorium now in the rearview mirror, some businesses have faced mounting debt and in some cases eviction. By leveraging this grant funding, businesses can regain their footing. Mike Mak of SJ Batting Cages (474 Piercy Road) put it this way: “It helped reduce our outstanding debt and back rent so that I can continue moving forward with this community-driven business.”

Mike Mak inside his business SJ Batting Cages located at 474 Piercy Rd., San José.

Furthermore, by providing financial assistance to small businesses, the City is also aiding the economic recovery of shopping districts, helping reduce vacancy rates and blight, and encouraging landowners to avoid evictions. Residents also benefit when their favorite businesses are able to continue to serve their communities. Le was grateful for this opportunity: “I was able to pay my rent and keep my business open to serve my customers.”

Funding to Support San José’s Diverse Small Business Community

In 2021, The City of San José set aside $2.75 million of the American Rescue Plan Act funds provided by the federal government with the goal of offering grants to up to 400 businesses. In the most recent application round, which began in March, 2023, the city has allocated $1.8 million to aid up to 300 businesses. The funds will be dispersed using a lottery system.

Since the start of this round of funding, grant administrator Access SBDC reports that we have received 106 grant applications, and out of those who reported their race and ethnicity, 94% are Black, Indigenous, and people of color.

How to Apply:

Businesses are encouraged to check eligibility requirements and apply at Access SBDC. Applicants may also apply in person with assistance in English, Spanish and Vietnamese at Access SBDC office, located at 1887 Monterey Road, 2nd Floor, San José, 95112. For more information, call 408-385-9800.