The Murrieta City Council voted to reprogram an additional $90k in funds for the City’s Back-to-Business Grant program. With this vote, $10k grants will soon be available for up to nine additional qualifying small businesses in Murrieta.
This action builds upon six months of local small business grant support, led by the City in partnership with Riverside County’s Economic Development Agency. The City wrapped up phases one and two of its Back-to-Business Grant program in December, distributing a total of $250k in $10k grants to 25 local small businesses. Because this money comes from re-purposed federal dollars, there is no impact to the City’s General Fund.
Murrieta Mayor Scott Vinton expresses strong support for helping local businesses at a time when need remains high.
“While Murrieta has fared better than many cities, with unemployment and vacancy rates well below regional and statewide norms,” he explains, “small businesses continue to face a crushing, long-term burden as they work through closures, safety requirements, and a reduced customer base. Our ability to offer additional Back-to-Business Grants is one small way we can contribute to the economic vitality of our community and help ensure that Murrieta businesses remain strong.”
Eligibility requires that more than half of an applicant’s employees must have incomes at or below 80% of the local median. Currently that is $40,250 for a family of one, $57,450 for a family of four. Businesses must also have 15 or fewer employees and show a need for funding.
The City will begin reviewing unfunded applications from the previous grant cycle and will re-open applications if needed.
Visit www.MurrietaCA.gov/grants for additional information on criteria and applications. For additional information, contact Louie Lacasella in the City Manager’s Office at 951-461-6008, or llacasella@MurrietaCA.gov.