In response to the economic hardships experienced by small businesses resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, the City of Hemet has established the Business Support Grant Program, as part of the Hemet CARES Initiative (Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic and Security Act). In order to promote their continued success, the City is utilizing the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Community Development Block Grant – Coronavirus (CDBG-CV) funding to establish a $360,000 grant program. Funding will be awarded to 36 business applicants in an effort to assist local Hemet businesses and provide working capital grants to retain jobs, keep businesses open, and maintain their lease payments.