The City of Dublin’s Small Business Emergency Microloan Program (“Program”) was established by the Dublin City Council with the intention to assist in retaining local small businesses (primarily restaurants and retailers) that are experiencing severe negative impacts due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The Program provides zero-interest, unsecured, short-term loans of up to $10,000 to eligible independently or locally owned businesses with priority for restaurants and retail businesses. Loan repayment would be deferred for 36 months. Loans could be 100% forgiven based on longevity of the business operating in Dublin and sales tax generation by the business. 

The Program has approximately $519,000 in funding. Financial assistance will be awarded to eligible, qualified small businesses based on the availability of funds, program guidelines, and the submission of all required information and supporting documentation.

Applications will be reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis with priority for restaurants and retails.  Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until all available funds have been awarded or June 30, 2020 (whichever comes first).

The City will review and process applications as quickly as possible, and will notify applicants of the status of their application via e-mail within 10 business days.

Eligibility

Eligible businesses must be independently or locally owned, have a physical location in Dublin, California, be in good standing with the City and have an active City of Dublin business license as of March 1, 2020. First preference will be given to restaurants and retailers, followed by other eligible businesses. Businesses are eligible as follows:

• Minimum one employee with a maximum of 50 employees. 
• Can demonstrate at least a 25% reduction in revenues due to COVID-19.
• Can demonstrate that they have applied for federal or state financial assistance (i.e. Paycheck Protection Program, Economic Injury Disaster Loan, Economic Injury Disaster Loan Advance, etc.).

Restrictions

Businesses not eligible to receive emergency loans include, but are not limited to:

• Lending and investment institutions and insurance companies;
• Non-profit entities;
• Hotels;
• Professional services (such as accountants, architects, engineering services, healthcare professionals, lawyers, etc.);
• Home-based businesses;
• Retail chain stores;
• Franchises that are corporately-owned.