City of Alameda Launches First Round of “Alameda Strong” Grants

Published on August 19, 2020

The City of Alameda, in collaboration with the West Alameda Business Association, Alameda Chamber of Commerce, and Downtown Alameda Business Association, established the Alameda Strong Relief Fund to help small businesses, nonprofit organizations, and residential renters in Alameda from the devastating impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Applications for the first round of small business grants are open until Tuesday, September 8, at 11:59 pm. Applications for the nonprofit and residential renter grants will be announced in the near future. 

More Information & How to Apply

The goal of the Alameda Strong small business grants is to mitigate barriers to capital for the most vulnerable Alameda small businesses and restaurants by providing one-time emergency working capital grants. Businesses with a physical, nonresidential location in Alameda may receive a one-time grant of $7,500. Home-based businesses, operating from an Alameda residence, may receive a one-time grant of $3,750.

Please click here for more information and to apply. All applications must be submitted electronically.

Preference will be given to businesses that operated when they were allowed to be open by government health orders over those businesses that remained shuttered when they could have been opened. Businesses that were required to stay closed will not be penalized. Given these considerations, applicants will be placed in a lottery. 

Awards for this first round of funding will be disbursed within 30 days of the award date. Future rounds of grants may be announced as additional donations are received.

Eligibility

Applicants must be a small business and have up to 25 full-time equivalent employees, up to 50 full-time equivalent employees with two locations in Alameda, or be a restaurant (no limit on the number of employees).

• The business must show that it has experienced a significant loss of 50% or more in income due to COVID-19 from March 16, 2020, to the application date.
• Applicants that previously received an Alameda COVID-19 Small Business Relief Grant are ineligible to apply.
• Only one application per business will be allowed. Any and all duplicate applications will be disqualified.
• The business must have a current City of Alameda business license and have paid the current Business Improvement Area assessment if located in a Business Improvement Area.
• Applications must be submitted through the City’s required online portal.

Application Webinar & Questions

The City will hold two free webinars to demonstrate the application process and answer any questions. Advance registration is required.  

• August 26, 2020 at 4:00 pm: click here to register 
• September 2, 2020 at 5:00 pm: click here to register

Recordings of both webinars will be available here when completed.

Donate to Alameda Strong!

With support from individuals and businesses, the City’s goal is to raise $1 million for grants that will help our small businesses, nonprofit organizations, and residential renters recover from the pandemic and economic crisis. Donations can be made at www.alamedastrong.org.