The city of Santa Monica announced Wednesday that 20 local businesses will receive $5,000 each through its new Small Business Relief Microgrant program.
The city's Economic Development Team launched the program in early September as part of Realignment Plan efforts to invest in commercial corridors and promote economic opportunity. The program aims to support locally owned businesses, strengthen long-term business sustainability and encourage growth and expansion. Brick-and-mortar businesses in Santa Monica with fewer than 50 employees and less than $3 million in annual gross revenue were eligible.
The city received 129 applications. The team evaluated them anonymously, basing selections on each application's comprehensiveness and responsiveness, including whether applicants detailed how they would spend the funds. Legacy-owned and veteran-owned businesses received additional consideration.
The recipients are:
Dining, cafes and treats
Bun And Mi, 1004 Montana Ave.
Cookie Good, 448 Wilshire Blvd.
Espresso Cielo, 1431 Second St. #C
Fia Restaurant, 2454 Wilshire Blvd.
La Diperie, 2441 Main St.
Odd One Out Tea, 1260 Third Street Promenade
Papille Gustative, 2823 Main St.
Pontu, 3117 Ocean Park Blvd.
Mr. Charlie's, 262 26th St.
Upper West Restaurant, 3321 Pico Blvd.
Shopping and services
Bubble Beach Laundry, 633 Main St.
Classic Tile & Flooring Inc., 928 Santa Monica Blvd.
McCabe's Guitar Shop, 3101 Pico Blvd.
Sand 'n Surf, 131 Broadway
Sir Speedy, 2632 Santa Monica Blvd.
Entertainment, activities and wellness
Clay Café, 620 Wilshire Blvd.
Crow Comedy, 2525 Michigan Ave., Unit F4
Phoenix Classical Pilates, 2412 Wilshire Blvd.
Ten Women II, 1128 Montana Ave.
THE Cube VR Immersive Park, 1248 Third Street Promenade
Funds may be used for website or software upgrades, equipment repairs, website hosting, workflow, scheduling, and marketing and advertising fees; free-standing furniture, fixtures and equipment such as computers, point-of-sale devices, printers, chairs and tables; inventory and operating supplies; professional services including bookkeeping, accounting, legal or business planning assistance; and business-continuity or emergency-preparedness expenses such as backup power, emergency supplies, data backup, cybersecurity or disaster recovery services.
Recipients may also join Buy Local Santa Monica, a free citywide marketing campaign, and be profiled in a Small Business Spotlight showing how the funds benefited their business.
The city will provide three-month and annual updates on how the microgrants have affected the 20 businesses. More information is available at santamonica.gov/programs/small-business-relief-microgrant.
Edited by SMDP Staff