ATASCADERO – Today, Jan. 8, the City of Atascadero announced that the Small Business Emergency Assistance Grant checks have been printed and are being signed and assembled for mailing today. The City has approved 63 applications, and most of these businesses will be receiving their checks from the City over the next day or two. 

The City recognized that with the most recent stay-at-home order and the shutdown of many business categories, including all on-site dining, personal services (barbers, hairdressers, nail salons, etc.) In addition, fitness centers, dance studios, family entertainment, movie theaters, the impact has been devastating. Restaurants, breweries, wineries, coffee shops, and other food and beverage services may now only operate on delivery or to-go basis. 

The Atascadero City Council stated that they understand that the Business Community of Atascadero is essential to the City, and the Council continually strives to work together with business owners towards supporting a vibrant place for residents to work and shop. 

The City’s Small Business Emergency Assistance Grant Fund Program was designed to support small businesses impacted by the financial impacts of the most recent regional stay at home order. 

On Dec. 15, 2020, the City Council passed a Resolution authorizing the use of $250,000 from the City’s General Fund to provide small business grants for Atascadero businesses that are significantly impacted by the state’s most recent regional stay-at-home order that went into effect on Dec. 6, 2020. The deadline to submit for the Grant was Monday, Jan. 4, at noon. The applications have all been reviewed; within one week of the submittal deadline, the City worked diligently to get assistance checks processed so that many local businesses can receive the emergency funds. 

Atascadero Mayor Heather Moreno said, “We are very happy to be able to offer some financial assistance to so many local businesses during this very difficult time. We remain committed to working together with all Atascadero business owners to help ensure they remain a viable and active members of our community. The City is grateful to the Atascadero Chamber of Commerce and their fundraising efforts put towards this assistance fund, which enabled the City to send more checks out today than we originally planned.”

The Atascadero Chamber of Commerce was instrumental in reaching out to the community to request donations to add to the Small Business Assistance Grant. These generous donations provided a unique opportunity to fund more of the businesses that applied. 

City Management said in a statement, “The Chamber’s ability to assist with getting the information out and keep the Grant opportunity top-of-mind along with the request for folks to donate! Thank you to everyone who donated additional funds to the Grant. We value and appreciate our partnership with the Chamber and the collaborative efforts of everyone involved in this process.” 

The City Council states they understand that the COVID-19 restrictions have been devastating to not just those businesses receiving these small grants but also for many of the other small businesses here in Atascadero. 

They are encouraging the community to get out and support our small businesses in a COVID safe manner. Whether that be shopping at your favorite retailer or ordering take-out from your favorite restaurant or brewery, now is the time to support local.  

If you have questions about the Small Business Emergency Assistance Grant application, please call (805)461-5035 or email covidgrant@atascadero.org.