Murrieta Doling Out Additional Relief Funding To Small Businesses

MURRIETA, CA — The City of Murrieta will be handing out an additional $90,000 in grants to local small businesses as part of its Back-to-Business program following approval by the City Council Tuesday.

With the council vote, $10,000 in grants will soon be available for up to nine additional qualifying small businesses in Murrieta.

The city wrapped up phases one and two of its Back-to-Business Grant program in December, distributing a total of $250,000 in $10,000 grants to 25 local small businesses. Because the money comes from the federal government, there is no impact to the city’s General Fund.

"This action builds upon six months of local small business grant support, led by the city in partnership with Riverside County’s Economic Development Agency," the city said in a news release.

The city will begin reviewing unfunded applications from the previous grant cycle and will re-open applications if needed.

Murrieta Mayor Scott Vinton said the need to help local businesses remains high amid the pandemic.

“While Murrieta has fared better than many cities, with unemployment and vacancy rates well below regional and statewide norms, small businesses continue to face a crushing, long-term burden as they work through closures, safety requirements, and a reduced customer base," Vinton said. "Our ability to offer additional Back-to-Business Grants is one small way we can contribute to the economic vitality of our community and help ensure that Murrieta businesses remain strong.”

Eligibility for the grant money requires that more than half of an applicant’s employees have incomes at or below 80 percent of the local median.

"Currently that is $40,250 for a family of one, $57,450 for a family of four," the city said.

Businesses must also have 15 or fewer employees and show a need for funding.

Visit www.MurrietaCA.gov/grants for additional information on criteria and applications. For additional information, contact Louie Lacasella in the City Manager’s Office at 951-461-6008, or llacasella@MurrietaCA.gov.