One HB Support Donations Will Aid Small Businesses With New Grant

HUNTINGTON BEACH, CA — A campaign to keep Huntington Beach's small businesses going has touched the hearts and minds of all residents. Thanks to the support of Robert Mayer, Sr., one-time microgrants will go to many store owners who need help during the coronavirus pandemic.

Mayer, developer of the Waterfront Hilton and the Hyatt Regency Huntington Resort and Spa, has helped grow the Orange County seaside community into a major tourism destination. He recently added $100,000 into the coffers of the OneHB Business Support campaign. That will translate into 20 $5000 grants to businesses in the resort district who are just trying to keep the doors open.

According to Mayor Lyn Semeta, the "substantial contribution" will improve the quality of life for residents, visitors and businesses.

"The City and dedicated supporters such as Robert Mayer, Sr. are committed to working hand-in-hand with our local businesses as they navigate a new economy that has been shaped by COVID-19," says Semeta. "We wish to demonstrate that our community backs them 100 percent, and that we are in this together."

Residents can donate to the program online, or order merchandise established to raise funds for the ongoing grant program.

Apply for the First Round of OneHB Grants
To apply for the first round of 20 grants, applicants must own a small business located in the Resort District and meet all eligibility requirements listed on www.OneHB.org. Applications will be available on www.OneHB.org starting August 10, 2020 at 9:00 a.m., and all completed applications must be submitted by no later than August 17, 2020 at 5:00 p.m. Furthermore, the City anticipates evaluating and awarding all 20 grants before the end of August 2020.

The City will host a webinar on August 12 at 2:00 p.m. to provide prospective applicants with information about the program and application process.

As new contributions, donations, and funding of up to $25,000 are received into the OneHB fund, the City will reopen the application process and invite all qualified small businesses citywide to apply. These updates will be announced via the City’s media outlets, and additional information will be available on www.OneHB.org.

Grants may be used for payroll, rent or lease payments, utilities, inventory, and other approved operational expenses. Should the City receive more applications than it can fund, the grants will be disbursed to qualified applicants through a lottery system. As part of the application process, all eligible applicants must attest that they have been negatively and financially impacted by COVID-19.

Priority will be given to applicants who have not received any other form of local, state, or federal COVID-19 related financial assistance.