BUTTE COUNTY, CA (MPG) - In an effort to offset the impacts of COVID-19 on local businesses, both the County of Butte and the City of Chico have allocated American Rescue funds to support local business stabilization through the implementation of the Butte Business Stabilization Program II (“Grant Program”).

The Board of Supervisors allocated $1,500,000 toward the Grant Program and will provide up to $10,000 grants to businesses with 20 or fewer full-time employees. Eligible applications will be pooled by the six jurisdictions (Biggs, Chico, Gridley, Paradise, Oroville, and Unincorporated Butte County).

“The effects of the pandemic on Butte County businesses have been ongoing since 2020, with increased costs and decreased sales,” said Butte County Board of Supervisors Chair, Bill Connelly. “These businesses are a major part of our economic engine, and we want to protect and preserve them. Allocating these funds for for-profit businesses is one way we will continue to extend that assistance while businesses work to recover from the impacts of COVID-19.”

The Chico City Council has extended the pool of available funds for businesses within the city limits of Chico by allocating $1,000,000 toward the Grant Program and will support businesses with up to 100 full-time employees. These grant funds will be made available to qualifying businesses after County funds have been expended.

“The City of Chico is committed to helping local businesses thrive,” said Mayor, Andrew Coolidge. “Recognizing the vital role small businesses play in driving our local economy, this grant program will provide job creators the support they need and assist in the recovery from the pandemic's far-reaching impacts.”

Information on the Butte Business Stabilization Program, as well as a link to the grant application, is available at www.buttebusinessresourcehub.org. Information is also available on the Butte County homepage www.buttecounty.net, and the City of Chico homepage www.chicoca.gov. Applicants who submit a complete application packet will be chosen by way of a lottery system after a three-week application period. Applications will be accepted beginning May 2, 2022 until 5pm on May 20, 2022.