Business Grant Programs

The City of Chino Hills has received Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act Community Develoment Block Grant (CDBG-CV) funds under the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.  The City of Chino Hills has allocated these funds toward grant programs for business negatively affected by the coronavirus pandemic.

Business can qualify either by (1) being a low-income business owner (Microenterprise Grant Program) or (2) pledging to retain at least one full-time low-income employee for a period of at least two years (Small Business Grant Program).

If initial eligibility is determined, you will be contacted to verify eligibility (i.e., submit verification documents).  Funding will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, based on completeness of application package.  This includes submittal of verification documents.

APPLICATIONS ARE NOW BEING ACCEPTED THROUGH MARCH 4, 2021.

Eligible Use of Grant Funds

Grant funds can only be used for Working Capital (i.e. rent, payroll, utilities, inventory, etc). Funds may not be used for building improvements, refinancing debt of any kind, or payment of delinquent taxes.  

If initial eligibility is determined, you will be contacted to verify eligibility (i.e. submit verification documents).  Funding will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, based on completeness of application package. This includes submittal of verification documents.

Eligibility Requirements

• Business must be physically located within the city limits of the City of Chino Hills. 
• Business must have a current business license from the City of Chino Hills.
• Business must be in good standing with the City of Chino Hills (i.e. no open code violations). 
• Business must employ less than 35 employees, including the owner(s).
• Business must have been opened since March 17, 2020.  The City may consider exceptions on a case by case basis if all other requirements are met.  
• Business must currently employ and retain at least one low- and moderate-income (LMI) person.   In the case of staff turnover, the identified position must be filled by LMI person and demonstrate that without grant assistance the job would be lost. 
• Business must be able to demonstrate an economic loss in connection with the COVID-19 pandemic; at least a 25% decrease in sales for the same period in the preceding calendar year. 
• Have valid and current federal and state tax ID numbers
• Business or owner must obtain a Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number.  This is not needed to submit an application, but will be required by the time funding is granted.   A DUNS number can be obtained at this website  https://www.dnb.com/duns-number/get-a-duns.html
• Business and owner must not be listed on the Federal Debarred Lit (SAMS Search)
• Businesses with more than one physical location may apply for the grant program for one location only. 
• Business is not currently in bankruptcy, and had not declared bankruptcy within the last 7 years.
• Business is current with property taxes, City fees, business license, and to the applicable local, county, state fees, and requirements.
• Have valid and up to date applicable business insurances.
• No person who is subject to the provisions of the City’s Conflict of Interest Code has any ownership interest in the business, or would otherwise receive a financial benefit from the business
• Applicant must agree to the terms and conditions of the grant through a written agreement.   The agreement must be signed by an individual who has signatory authority on behalf of the business.

The table below shows the maximum gross annual income per household size: