San Bernardino County in California has launched a grant program to provide financial aid to small businesses affected by the recent snow storms. Two of the most storm-impacted companies were Steven Ayala’s Apex Boxing and Fitness in Twin Peaks.

The Mountain Small Business Grant Program, unveiled by San Bernardino County Chair and Third District Supervisor Dawn Rowe during the Board of Supervisors meeting on March 28, offers a one-time grant of $3,000 to businesses and nonprofits with 50 or fewer employees. Those with more than 50 but fewer than 500 employees are eligible for $15,000 to help with repairs and recovery efforts made necessary by the recent snowstorms.

Eligibility Criteria for the Grant Program

Businesses with a physical, brick-and-mortar location in the affected unincorporated San Bernardino Mountains that is used by employees and customers and has been open and operating before February 27 are qualified for the grant.

The funding is designed to help businesses cover overhead costs such as rent and utilities. San Bernardino County Chair, Dawn Rowe, expressed her hopes that the grants will help small businesses recover financially as they work to reopen and serve the community.

Mountain Businesses Suffer the Impact of Snowstorms

The recent snowstorms had devastating impacts on many businesses in the mountains. Many companies were cut off from their customers, while others could not work in their stores, shops, and offices for weeks due to unsafe roads. Due to the snow storm, the lack of tourists and blocked road access are two key issues that San Bernardino businesses faced. 

As a result, businesses had to bear the cost of lost income and repairs to damaged facilities. The grant program will provide some financial relief to these struggling businesses, helping them recover as they work to reopen to serve the community.

Application Process for the Grants

The grant application is now available at https://snowinfo.sbcounty.gov/. Interested businesses and nonprofits can access the application form online and apply for the grant. The application process started on Friday, and eligible companies are encouraged to apply immediately.

Support for Mountain Businesses

Supervisor Dawn Rowe is committed to obtaining additional resources for mountain businesses and residents. She said in a statement:

These grants will help them recover financially as they work to reopen to serve the community. I will continue working hard to obtain additional resources for our mountain businesses and residents.

Dawn Rowe