City of Garden Grove logoIn response to the state’s recent regional Stay-at-Home order, which restricts outdoor dining, the City of Garden Grove has expanded its JOBS 1st program to add a new JOBS 1st To-Go, which aims to assist local food and drink establishments with access to grants of up to $1,500. Qualifying local establishments can now apply for the JOBS 1st To-Go program by visiting ggcity.org/businesses.

“For many local businesses, shifting operations entirely to delivery and take-out comes with challenges,” said Assistant City Manager and Community and Economic Development Director Lisa Kim. “The new grant program aims to augment a portion of operational costs, support the shop local initiative, while promoting local job retention.”

The new JOBS 1st To-Go program will provide approximately 75 eligible businesses with $1,000 grant funding for the purchase of goods, such as containers, plates, cups, and silverware. In addition, the grant will subsidize third party fees from companies offering food delivery, including Uber Eats, DoorDash, and Postmates.

Further promoting the shop local initiative, if an eligible business demonstrates purchases of goods of up to $500 or greater from a Garden Grove retailer, an additional $500 grant may apply.

To qualify, food and/or drink establishments must be located in Garden Grove; have been open for at least one year; possess valid operating licenses, permits, and be in good-standing with the City; and show a minimum of 25% decrease in revenue due to COVID-19.

The JOBS 1st To-Go program is part of the Garden Grove Business Resource and Resiliency Plan, designed to assist local businesses, stimulate growth and job creation, while improving Garden Grove’s economic vitality.

In addition, the City is offering the JOBS 1st program, which provides zero-interest loans of up to $50,000 and grants of up to $25,000 to eligible businesses for the creation and retention of jobs.

The Accessible Businesses program, allowing establishments to expand operations outside, is temporarily on hold until the state’s regional Stay-at-Home order is lifted.

Local businesses are also encouraged to utilize additional resources provided by the county and state:

  • Main Street Hiring Tax Credit provides financial relief to qualified small businesses for the economic disruptions resulting in loss of jobs. To apply, visit taxcredit.cdtfa.ca.gov.
  • California Rebuilding Fund helps small businesses rebuild with the assistance from flexible short-term loans. For details, visit connect2capital.com/p/californiarebuildingfund.
  • America’s Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) offers businesses valuable new and current resources. For information, visit ociesmallbusiness.org/covid-resources.

For more information on Garden Grove’s business programs and to apply for assistance, visit ggcity.org/businesses or call the City’s Office of Economic Development at (714) 741-5130.