Ahh. A bit of good news. Small California employers and non-profits that paid California COVID-19 Supplemental Paid Sick Leave (“SPSL”) in 2022 may apply for grants up to $50,000.  The “California Small Business and Nonprofit COVID-19 Supplemental Paid Sick Leave Relief Grant Program” will award funds on a first-come, first-served basis.

Eligible businesses must currently be operational and in business before June 1, 2021, employ between 26 and 49 employees, and be registered as a “C” or “S” corporation, an LLC, partnership, limited partnership, or a 501(c)(3), 501(c)(6), or 501(c)(19). Financial institutions, political lobbying groups, and entities operating outside of California are not eligible.

To receive reimbursement, an employer must document the amounts they paid for SPSL between January 1, 2022 and December 31, 2022. In addition to payroll records, employers will need to submit a signed affidavit attesting to employee count and other information. The Office of the Small Business Advocate is administering the program through a lender, Lendistry. Lendistry is hosting informational webinars this month to help businesses take advantage of the program.

The application portal opened on June 1, 2023, so hustle up!