Local grants still available for Sonoma’s small businesses affected by COVID

Since the beginning of December the Sonoma Valley Rotary Foundation has awarded nearly 170 grants from $500 and to nearly $1,500 to help local businesses cope with the economic effects from the COVID-19 pandemic. To date, the foundation has granted more than $130,000 from $200,000 raised by the two Rotary clubs in Sonoma and matched by the Sonoma Valley Catalyst Fund, a temporary offshoot program of the Sonoma Valley Fund focused on pandemic relief.

“We kept grants under $1,500 because we wanted to ensure we could help as many small businesses as need help,” said Dub Hay, Rotarian and development co-chair of Sonoma Valley Catalyst Fund, in a press update about the program. “Now we’re awarding grants to companies that have already received money, as well as businesses that are applying for the first time.”

To request a grant for the first or second time, businesses can download and complete a simple one-page form from the Rotary club website, SonomaValleyRotary.org. Then businesses can submit the application along with a copy of the business license to Rotary95476@gmail.com. The Rotary grants committee meets twice each week to review applications. The committee emails recipients the following day regarding the amount granted, and mails checks to recipients that day, as well.

Grants have gone to local businesses in Sonoma Valley – from Schellville to Kenwood – with 20 or fewer employees that have been hit hard by the various virus shutdowns and changes to their operations. Companies receiving money include retailers, wine-related companies, catering or food services companies, restaurants, massage therapists, fitness professionals, trades people, and more.

“With the rollout of COVID inoculations and apparent loosening of restrictions by the state and county, it seems we’re turning the corner on this economic challenge,” Hay said. “But obviously businesses have been hit hard and we’ll continue to help them until our pool of money runs out.”

Residents and visitors to Sonoma can help Rotary and the Sonoma Valley Catalyst Fund help local businesses. People can contribute two ways — through the website at gofundme.com/f/rotary-catalyst-fund or they can mail a check to Sonoma Valley Rotary Foundation, at PO Box 923, Sonoma, 95476.