Grant Funding Applications Available for Small Business-Serving Nonprofits
Applications for City Funding Due June 30, 2005

SAN DIEGO – The City of San Diego’s Community and Economic Development Department today announced it anticipates offering grant funding to local non-profit organizations with a proven track record of providing unique and successful programs to assist small businesses.   Historically, the City has earmarked approximately $100,000 for this annual program. 

The funding is provided by the City’s Small Business Enhancement Program. This program has significantly enhanced the City’s partnership with non-profit business assistance organizations. The partnership provides a broad range of direct support programs for San Diego’s 70,000-plus small businesses, which are the driving force in San Diego’s economy.

The grants are intended to help cultivate and further develop small businesses in recognition of their vital economic and cultural roles in sustaining and revitalizing commercial and residential areas. Helping small businesses grow and flourish helps foster the City’s economic base to improve the quality of life for its citizens and business community.   

Eligible organizations interested in applying for funding should print out the combined application and guidelines by visiting the City’s Web site at www.sandiego.gov/cpci and looking in the “press room” section.  Otherwise, applicants may contact the City’s Community and Economic Development Department – Office of Small Business by email at sdbusiness@sandiego.gov or by calling (619) 533-5305 to request an application and program guidelines. Program applications must be received at the City’s Office of Small Business by 5pm on June 30, 2005. The office is located at the City of San Diego, Community and Economic Development Department, 600 B Street, 4^th Floor, San Diego, CA 92101. Late applications will not be accepted. 

A panel comprised of members of the City’s Small Business Advisory Board will review the applications. The grants will be based on not-for-profit status, quality and number of applicants received, as well as availability of funding

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With an emphasis on the City’s urban core neighborhoods and low and moderate income residents, the Community and Economic Development Department strives to improve the quality of life and ensure a healthy economy in San Diego through job development, business development, neighborhood revitalization, public improvements, redevelopment, social services, and revenue enhancement.