Here’s how to get a small business loan and free masks from Fresno
Small businesses in Fresno can apply for loans up to $10,000 in relief money related to the coronavirus pandemic.
The second wave of COVID-19 relief dollars for the Save Our Small Business program is available to businesses of 25 or fewer employees if they apply by 11:59 p.m. on June 5.
Businesses of five or fewer employees can get loans of $5,000 and those with 25 or fewer can receive $10,000. The loans are forgivable if the businesses continues to operate for at least a year.
Many businesses have been closed since mid-March after an order from Mayor Lee Brand was issued to slow the spread of the pandemic. During the same time, residents have been asked to stay home.
The City Council approved the second wave of funding of $2 million on May 15.
“This is another critical step helping our local mom and pop shops as we’re rebuilding Fresno’s economy and securing thousands of important jobs,” Councilmember Mike Karbassi said in a statement.
The first wave of $750,000 in funding, which came from federal CARES Act money, was awarded to 118 businesses through a lottery system.
The same kind of system will pass out the newly earmarked money, assuming there are more applications than money available, according to officials.
Potential applicants or anyone with questions can call Economic Development Director Lupe Perez at 559-621-8350 or go to the city’s website, fresno.gov.
Free Masks
Mayor Brand announced Tuesday 10,000 masks would be made available for small businesses to give to shoppers while another 4,000 would be available for employees.
“Masks and other personal protective equipment are an important part of managing the spread of COVID-19,” Brand said in a statement, “so it’s important for the city to step up and donate masks to the businesses most impacted by this pandemic so our citizens stay healthy and our economy can get moving again.”
The masks are available in packs of 25. To get them delivered, call the city’s Code Enforcement Department at 559-621-8400.
