ChicoSTART, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting entrepreneurship and economic development, has announced the award of 30 microgrants to small businesses across Northern California. The grants, each valued at up to $5,000, are intended to provide critical financial support to local entrepreneurs and help sustain operations, expand services, or invest in marketing and equipment.
The initiative specifically targets businesses in underserved communities, with a focus on rural areas and those owned by women, veterans, and people of color. Recipients include a family-run bakery in Chico, a tech startup in Redding, and a mobile health clinic serving the Sierra Nevada foothills.
The funding comes from a combination of state grants and private donations, and ChicoSTART plans to open a second round of applications later this year. Local officials praised the program for its role in strengthening the regional economy and fostering innovation among small business owners who often struggle to access traditional financing.
The awards were announced during a virtual ceremony on June 15, 2026, and grant recipients will receive their funds by the end of the month.