Lake Almanor chamber offers business technology grant

The Lake Almanor Area Chamber of Commerce reports it was recently awarded $45,000 in grant funding from Plumas County to support businesses and technology. This funding comes from The American Rescue Plan Act for Technology and Economic Development Business Support to work on initiatives directly tied to the Sierra Economic Development District Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy community workplans, with the goal of improving the Plumas County business sector. 

The chamber said the grant program was designed to support chamber members and the local business community by reimbursing a portion of business-related expenses with the intention of helping foster growth and recovery. Grant program awards will be given on a first-come, first-served basis after Sept. 1 for those who meet the eligibility criteria.

Eligibility requirements 

Applicants must meet the following eligibility requirements:

• The business must be located within the Lake Almanor Basin, with a physical address within Plumas County.
• The applicant must have been an active member of the Lake Almanor Area Chamber of Commerce for at least six months. 
• All business types are eligible, including retail, service, manufacturing and nonprofits. Federal, state and local government entities are excluded. 
• Applicants must possess all necessary local, state and federal licenses and permits required for their business operations and be able to submit copies of a current business license with the application for funding. Nonprofits must be in good standing for tax purposes. 

Program specifics 

Grants are available for a variety of projects related to expansions, building/façade/signage improvements, technology upgrades or other business-related expenditures that provide a nexus to improvement of business operations, said the chamber. Allowable costs include labor and/or materials. Materials purchased for do-it-yourself projects are allowed. 

Project vendors must be current members in good standing with the Lake Almanor Area Chamber of Commerce. Vendors must hold all applicable current local and state licensing to do business. If no businesses are available locally with the required labor skills or materials, a request to waive the requirement must be made. The chamber said it will consider these requests on a case-by-case basis. 

Projects must be preapproved by the Lake Almanor Area Chamber of Commerce. 

More information, including grant details, a list of necessary documentation and an application, is available at