Qualified small businesses, including dental offices, and nonprofit organizations in California that incurred costs for providing COVID-19 Supplemental Paid Sick Leave between Jan. 1-Dec. 31, 2022, can apply now for a one-time grant through the California Small Business and Nonprofit COVID-19 Supplemental Paid Sick Leave Relief Grant Program. The program is intended to address the cost to small businesses of the state’s supplemental paid sick leave requirements in place during 2021 and 2022.
Because the grant funds are limited and will be awarded based on their availability, dentists may want to review the program and application guide (available in additional languages) and, if eligible, apply at the earliest opportunity.
Among other requirements, small businesses and nonprofits are eligible for the grant if they:
- Began operating before June 1, 2021.
- Are currently operating.
- Had 26 to 49 employees between Jan. 1, 2021, and Dec. 31, 2022.
Payroll records and other documentation required
Applicants must provide employee payroll records that verify all COVID-19 Supplemental Paid Sick Leave they provided in compliance with California law through December 2022. The law, which only applied to employers with more than 25 employees, allowed covered employees to take supplemental paid sick leave for COVID-19 vaccine-related reasons or to care for themselves or a family member for COVID-19-related reasons. That paid sick leave law expired Dec. 31, 2022.
Required documentation includes proof of employee count in both 2021 and 2022 and costs incurred for providing the supplemental leave during the eligible period: Jan. 1-Dec. 31, 2022. Additional documents are required as specified in the program and application guide.
Award amounts vary according to amount of leave provided
The grant award amount varies according to the verified amount of COVID-19 Supplemental Paid Sick Leave the employer-applicant provided between Jan. 1-Dec. 31, 2022, but ranges from $5,000 to $50,000.
For example, applicants who provided between $5,000 and $10,000 in leave are eligible for up to $5,000 in grant awards, while applicants who provided $50,000 or more are eligible for $50,000. The amount of leave provided according to an applicant’s records must match the amount of the grant request.
Informational webinars held throughout June
Prospective applicants can attend one of many informational webinars in June to learn more about eligibility requirements, required documentation and how to successfully complete and submit an application.
The webinars are hosted by Lendistry, the sole designated intermediary of the grant program. All applicants will apply through Lendistry’s online portal and can view a live demonstration of portal navigation via the informational webinars. Several versions of the webinar are available – for small businesses or nonprofits and in English and Spanish. As of this writing, the next three webinars are scheduled for June 19, 20 and 21 at different start times. Registration is required.
The Program and Application Guide includes tips for applying and explains the complete eligibility requirements and required documents, the review process, how to complete the applicant certifications and more.