In response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) public health emergency, the City of Palo Alto created an online Business Assistance Center to provide up-to-date information for essential businesses that continue to operate and for those businesses that are closed during the shelter in place order. At this site, you can find informational resources and guidance to support business managers, independent contractors and business owners.
We are stronger together and our new Palo Alto Small Business Recovery Grant program is being designed to uplift our small businesses experiencing financial hardship during this time. Funding allocated for this program is $500K and the City is currently finalizing partnerships with others to support donations and other opportunities. For background about the program, go here.
The first simple step to apply for this grant is to complete the Business Registry pre-application linked below. This will ensure your business is eligible to move forward in the lottery process. All businesses are required to fill out this pre-application form, even if they are currently enrolled in the City of Palo Alto’s Business Registry.
Step 1: Fill out the Business Registry Pre-Application
Business Registry Pre-Application Web Form
Step 2: The City will communicate with small businesses once details are finalized
Read about the Small Business Recovery Grant program eligibility criteria here.
The current public health order from Santa Clara County (effective May 4, 2020) and new City of Palo Alto emergency order (effective May 13, 2020) sets new for mandates for businesses. This includes requiring that face coverings be worn by employees and community members when out in public, at businesses, health care and public facilities, and on public transit. Social distancing protocols remain in place, even while wearing a face covering. You can read the County’s FAQs here and Palo Alto emergency order here.
The California Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz) has compiled helpful information for employers as it relates to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and those resources can be found here. Additional state and federal government resources for businesses and employers can be found here.
The City is committed to assisting our business community and we are encouraging people to shop local and support local businesses. Together, we can help slow the spread of the Coronavirus and save lives. Thank you for your cooperation!
