Business Support Fund

SUMMARY | FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Before applying, view the ONLINE APPLICATION TUTORIAL

Applications will only be accepted through ZoomGrants. Click above  or Apply Online Here to access the application portal and set up a New ZoomGrants Account (box on the right side of screen). Setting Up Your ZoomGrants Applicant Account.

Once your ZoomGrants account has been set up, click on the Open Program titled 2020 City of Pleasanton COVID-19 Business Support Fund to begin your application.

Need help completing the online application or have a question that is not on the FAQ? ASK A QUESTION | SEE ANSWERS

For more information on the Business Support Fund, email econdev@cityofpleasantonca.gov. City staff will make every effort to respond to your email within 24-48 hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm. Please do not contact ZoomGrants as they do not have application review or loan approval authority.

Purpose

To ease the impact of COVID-19 on Pleasanton businesses, the City of Pleasanton has established a $3 million Business Support Fund. The objective of the fund is to offer financial assistance to small businesses within Pleasanton to work in cooperation with state and federal assistance programs. 

UPDATE as of August 19, 2020

Program Overview

The program provides zero-interest, unsecured, short-term loans to eligible independently or locally owned businesses. Loans will be allowed a maximum amortization of 36 months with repayment commencing on the first day of the month after the COVID-19 local emergency declaration is lifted. Financial assistance will be awarded to eligible, qualified small businesses based on the availability of funds, program guidelines, and the submission of all required information and supporting documentation.

Eligibility Requirements & Restrictions

Eligible businesses must be independently or locally owned, have a physical location in Pleasanton, be in good standing with the City and have paid a City of Pleasanton 2020 business license tax by March 1, 2020. Employee count is based on the total reported on the 2020 City business license application or renewal. Businesses are eligible for loan amounts as follows:

• $10,000 loan amount ($10,800 for downtown) for micro-enterprise businesses employing 2-10 employees
• $20,000 loan amount ($21,600 for downtown) for businesses employing 11-25 employees

*Businesses that have previously been approved for $2,500 or $2,900 loans may request to borrow the higher amounts as noted based on employee count. Please contact the Economic Development Department at econdev@cityofpleasantonca.gov to request the increased loan amount. A revised Promissory Note and contract will be issued.

Businesses NOT eligible to request or receive financial assistance include, but are not limited to: lending and investment institutions and insurance companies, non-profit entities, hotels, home-based businesses, and illegal or other prohibited uses.

Program Requirements

Funds may be used to cover payroll, rent, mortgage, or working capital for the business to cover operational expenses. Eligible businesses must be able to demonstrate the following:

• Loss of revenue/income of greater than 25% due to COVID-19
• Action take to secure federal and state resources and financial assistance 

Application Process

To expedite the issuance of funding, the online application process will be as streamlined as possible. Applications will only be accepted through the online portal. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until all available funds have been awarded. 

Review Process

The City will review and process applications as quickly as possible, and will notify applicants of the status of their application via e-mail within 10 business days.

Questions 

If you have additional questions about the support fund or the application process, contact Economic Development Department staff at econdev@cityofpleasantonca.gov.