Hemet looks to help small businesses

Hemet is starting a grant program that will use federal dollars to help small businesses.

The Entrepreneur & Small Business Community Development Block Grant Program will promote economic growth by helping small business start-ups, according to a statement on the city’s website.

The program, which will provide an approved business up to $20,000, will also aid the local economy by helping established businesses expand. It will focus primarily on three areas:

• Kitchen start-ups, meaning restaurants, cafés, bakeries, and catering services. Uses will include lease improvements and equipment purchases;
• Tech start-ups in high-growth areas, especially technology, manufacturing, aerospace, semiconductors, and other high-growth areas. Funding may be used for equipment, infrastructure, and other essential items;
• Professional business start-ups, meaning consulting, technical IT support, legal or business services. Recipients should be focused on helping businesses obtain professional equipment and working capital.

Applications will be accepted through Feb. 5. For more information visit www.hemetca.gov/1356/Entrepreneur-Small-Business-Grant.