Frequently Asked Questions

Overview

What is the Sacramento County Microbusiness Grant Program?
Sacramento County has received funding from the California Office of the Small Business Advocate’s (Cal OSBA) California Microbusiness COVID-19 Relief Grant Program to administer grants directly to microbusinesses countywide.

The intent of the funding is to provide relief to the hardest-to-reach microbusinesses and entrepreneurs that face systemic barriers to accessing capital, such as businesses owned by women, minorities, veterans, individuals without documentation, individuals with limited English proficiency, and business owners located in low-wealth and rural communities.

How much funding is available through the Sacramento County Microbusiness Grant Program?
The Sacramento County Microbusiness Grant Program will provide $2,500 in one-time grant funding to approximately 669 microbusiness impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. This is a grant program, not a loan, so funds will not need to be paid back..

Business Eligibility

How do I know if my business is eligible for funding?

You can review the eligibility screening here.

A microbusiness must satisfy the following criteria to be eligible:

The microbusiness is physically located and operating in Sacramento County.
The microbusiness began its operation prior to December 31, 2019.
The microbusiness was significantly impacted by COVID-19 pandemic.
The microbusiness had less than fifty thousand dollars ($50,000) in gross revenues in the 2019 taxable year.
The microbusiness currently has fewer than five full-time equivalent employees and had fewer than five full-time equivalent employees in the 2019 and 2020 taxable years.
The microbusiness is not a business excluded from participation in the California Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant Program, as specified in paragraph (2) of subdivision (f) of Government Code Section 12100.82.
The microbusiness did not receive a grant under the California Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant Program. A full list of grant recipients for this program can be found on the GO-Biz website’s Publications page, under California Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant Program, Final Awards List.
The microbusiness owner is the majority-owner and manager of the qualified microbusiness.
The microbusiness owner’s primary means of income in the 2019 taxable year was the qualified microbusiness.
The microbusiness owner must provide acceptable form of government-issued photo ID (state, domestic, or foreign) and proof of active business license from the County or incorporated city.
The microbusiness must agree to self-certify that grant funds will be used for one or more of the identified eligible uses of the funds.

Can I apply if I received funds from the California Relief Small Business COVID-19 Grant Program?
No, you may not apply if you received funds from the California Relief Grant Program.

Can I apply if I received funds from the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP)?
Yes, you can apply if you received funds from the Paycheck Protection Program or other pandemic-related grant or loan programs.

I own/operate more than one business. Am I allowed to submit an application for each business I own if they meet the qualifications?
No, you may only apply one time even if you own, co-own, or operate multiple businesses. Only one business will be eligible.

I have multiple locations for a single business, which address should I use?
Please select what you might consider the “primary” business location.

My business has multiple locations. How do I know if I qualify?
Your application answers and financial information must pertain only to any locations in Sacramento County.

Do I have to be a U.S. citizen to apply?
No, you do not need to be a U.S. citizen to apply.

Eligible Use of Funds

If my business receives a grant, what can I use the money for? What can’t I use the money for?
Applicants will be required to self-certify that grant funds will be used for one or more of the following eligible uses:

The purchase of new certified equipment including, but not limited to, a cart.
Investment in working capital.
Application for, or renewal of, a local permit including, but not limited to, a permit to operate as a sidewalk vendor.
Payment of business debt accrued due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Costs resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic and related health and safety restrictions, or business interruptions or closures incurred as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, as defined in subdivision (l) of Section 12100.83.

Do I have to pay the money back, like a loan?
No. The funds you receive are a grant, not a loan, and do not need to be paid back.

Application Process

When does the application open?
The application period for Round 5 opens on January 10, 2023 at 8am PST.

What’s the deadline to apply?
The application deadline is March 30, 2023 at 5:00pm PST. Incomplete applications will NOT be accepted. There will be no exceptions.
Round 5 will be a “first come, first served” program. Please complete applications as soon as possible.

How do I apply?
You can apply online through this website, “Link to Amplifund”

Do I have to fill out the application online? Can I submit my application via mail or in person?
All applications must be filled out online. No physical applications will be accepted. If you need help accessing a computer with Internet access, please visit your local library for free access.

How can I get help with my application?
If you need assistance, contact us at 833-391-1919 or by clicking here.

What documentation will I need to submit my application?

A business license from Sacramento County or one of the incorporated Cities (Citrus Heights, Sacramento, Elk Grove, Rancho Cordova, Folsom, Galt or Isleton). If your business is not required to obtain a local business license, for example, those licensed through the State of California, proof of business operations within Sacramento County is still required. Acceptable documents may include business tax returns, business bank statements, or other official business documentation that includes the business address; and
Complete 2019 tax return showing less than $50,000 in gross revenue (example: Schedule C – Profit and Loss from Business). You DO NOT need to include any receipts or other supporting tax materials; and
Sacramento County Payee Data Record Form (available in application); and
Sacramento County Applicant Self-Certification Form (available in application); and
ID verification, such as a photo/scan of a driver’s license, Real ID, or passport, or other TIN identification.

Why do I need to fill out a Sacramento County Payee Data Record Form?
The County is required to report grant funding information to the United States Treasury at the end of the year, which is done using a Payee Data Record Form. This form is required in lieu of IRS W-9 when doing business with the Sacramento County.

Why are you asking for my 2019 business tax return?
Your 2019 tax return allows us to verify that your business is active in Sacramento County; meets the eligibility requirements for revenue; practices sound financial management; and is financially viable.

How do I upload the required documents?
When you get to the upload part of the application, you can search your device for the document you need, and then upload it.

Do I need to submit all the documents? What if I don’t have all the documents that I need to apply?
You must submit ALL the required documents. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

What if I accidentally made a mistake or entered incorrect information on my application?
You can save and edit your application until you submit it. You do not need to complete it all in one sitting. Please take your time on your application and do not submit it until you are sure it is complete and correct.

What is the definition of a woman-, veteran- or minority-owned business?

For woman-owned: Be at least 51% directly owned and controlled by one or more women.
For veteran-owned: Be at least 51% directly owned and controlled by one or more veterans.
For minority-owned: To be certified as a minority-owned business, your company must be at least 51% owned, operated, and controlled by a minimum of one owner whose racial or ethnic background is Asian Indian, Asian Pacific, Black, Native American or Hispanic, as defined by the U.S. Small Business Administration 8A program for Disadvantaged Businesses (see 13 CFR §124.103). To read more, please click here.

Do applicants receive a confirmation that they submitted their application?
Yes, you will receive a confirmation email upon submission of your application.

How do I check the status of my application?
To check the status of your application, you can go to gotomygrants.com and login into your Amplifund account with the User Name and Password you created. An Applications screen will appear showing the Application Name and Submission Status of your application. It will say “Submitted” or “Unsubmitted”. If it is unsubmitted, you can click on the Application Name and complete your application.

Selection Process

How will applications be selected to receive funding?
Applications submitted for Round 5 will be reviewed and approved in the order that they are received. This is a first come, first serve process.

How will I be contacted or know if I will receive a grant?
You will be notified by the email you identify on your application.

Will I be contacted if I do not receive a grant?
Yes, you will be notified by email whether or not you receive a grant.

When will grant award notifications be sent out?
Grant award notifications will be sent out within 3 weeks from the date of application submission.

Receiving Grant Funds

If I am selected to receive a grant, how much money will I get?
Businesses will receive $2,500.

How will I receive funds?
Funds will be disbursed by paper check through the County payment management system and will be sent to the mailing address on your Payee Data Record Form.

When can I expect to receive funds if awarded?
Checks will be distributed on a monthly basis.

Am I required to set up a new bank account specifically for these funds?
No.

Is my small business taxed on this grant?
Sacramento County cannot provide tax advice to those who receive payments. Please consult with personal tax advisors for any questions regarding tax liability for these payments. Any taxes associated with accepting or using the grant funds are the responsibility of the grantee.