The County has set aside money for a loan program to aid local for-profit and non-profit businesses.

The Board of Supervisors set aside $500,000 for businesses struggling to survive because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Funding for the program will come from existing community and agricultural benefit funds. There is a limit of $10,000 per qualifying applicant. The loan will include a forgiveness clause should the business prove it has maintained or hired back it's previous workforce. 

Conditions set to qualify for the loan program include they must be a for-profit or non-profit business in Imperial County that is an agriculture , commercial manufacturing , retail or service industry. There must be a physical establishment in Imperial County and have a current city or county license and be in operation as of December 31, 2019. Applicants must have a  demonstrated hardship due to COVID-19.

The funds may be used for short-term working capital needs such as lease/mortgage payments , payroll , materials , supplies and services. 

The application process will began May 18. More information and applications are available at the county website.