Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
Available On Air Stations
Watch Live

KPBS Evening Edition

'Back To Work SD' To Provide $10 Million In COVID Relief For Businesses

Gaile Higgins, is pictured at her vintage clothing store The Girl Can't Help It on August 4, 2021.
Matthew Bowler
Gaile Higgins, is pictured at her vintage clothing store The Girl Can't Help It on August 4, 2021.

Some much-needed COVID-19 relief money is coming to small businesses in the county.

It’s part of San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria’s goal to get businesses back on track and people back to work.

‘Back To Work SD’ To Provide $10 Million In COVID Relief For Businesses
Listen to this story by Alexandra Rangel.

“Back to Work SD” will provide $10 million to nonprofit organizations and small businesses that have been impacted by the pandemic.

Advertisement

“With the City Council’s approval of this contract, we are now able to thoughtfully and effectively distribute millions of dollars to help small businesses that need it most,” Gloria said in a press release. “This aid is coming at a critical time when many family-owned local businesses are trying to figure out how to recover from the pandemic. With the San Diego Foundation’s partnership, we can give small businesses and nonprofits the lifeline they need to keep their doors open."

RELATED: Slew Of New Restaurants Driving Economic Recovery In North County

Gail Higgins, the owner of The Girl Can’t Help It, specializes in vintage clothing.

She said it’s the help that business owners need right now.

“I think if we receive more help, it will take away some of the anxiety of, is this going to change again with numbers going up again?” Higgins said.

Advertisement

Angela Landsberg, the executive director of North Park Main Street, said many businesses are still struggling.

She said some businesses that took out loans to prevent closure are already being asked to pay that money back.

Businesses that need help will be able to apply for the grant money through the San Diego Foundation starting next week.

Video: Businesses To Receive COVID Relief Money