The City of Santa Ana Small Business Incentive Program offers financial grants and technical support to new businesses located within Santa Ana. This program is designed to assist businesses during their first three years of operation, helping them establish and grow in the local economy. Funded by the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the program provides grants ranging from $1,000 to $10,000 based on business type and location.
To be eligible for this grant, your business must be located in Santa Ana and have been operating for no more than three years at the time of application. The program targets microenterprises, defined as for-profit businesses with five or fewer employees including all owners. Your business must hold a valid and active Santa Ana Business License along with either a Certificate of Occupancy for commercial locations or a Home Occupation Permit if home-based.
Income eligibility is also required; both you as the business owner and your household members aged 18 or older must meet income limits set at 80% or below the Orange County median income according to HUD guidelines effective April 2024. This ensures that support is directed toward small business owners who may benefit most from financial assistance.
Grant amounts vary depending on your business setup: up to $5,000 is available for businesses with a commercial, industrial, or office location, while home-based businesses can receive up to $2,500. All expenses funded by this grant must be documented with receipts as proof of use.
Applicants are also required to complete a free business consultation through the Orange County Inland Empire Small Business Development Center (OCIE SBDC). This consultation aims to provide additional guidance and resources tailored to help your business succeed.
For ongoing access to funding opportunities without deadlines and further details on application requirements, visit the City of Santa Ana’s official website dedicated to this program. This grant can provide essential support as you build your new enterprise in Santa Ana’s community.
