San Benito EDC Announces COVID-19 Emergency Rent Subsidy Program

The San Benito Economic Development Corporation announces the programming of $100,000 for the COVID-19 Emergency Rent Subsidy Program that was recently approved by the EDC Board of Directors on Wednesday, May 27, 2020 & received final approval by the City of San Benito City Commission on Tuesday, June 2, 2020.

This is a temporary program that the EDC will be accepting applications between June 15, 2020 and September 30, 2020. Applications will be considered monthly by the EDC Board of Directors until September 30, 2020 or until funds are depleted, whichever comes first.

New businesses that have opened and/or will open between October 1, 2019 and September 30, 2020 and have a minimum of a one (1) year lease will be able to receive rent assistance for six (6) months with the first three (3) months being reimbursed at 100% and months four (4), five (5), and six (6) being reimbursed up to 50% for six (6) with a maximum of $850 per month for a total not to exceed $5,000.

Past Rent Subsidy Recipients Under the COVID-19 Emergency Rent Subsidy Program the San Benito EDC will also offer past rent subsidy recipients (those awarded between February 2018 to present) with up to 50% rent reimbursement for six (6) months and with a maximum of $850 per month for a total not to exceed $5,000.

Rebeca Castillo, EDC Executive Director said “The EDC has been monitoring and evaluating the current situation and how to best assist the business community.” she also added that “this program is strategic where the EDC is ensuring that its dollars are being maximized and provided to those business that mostly need it.”

Julian Rios, EDC President, stated “During this time of uncertainty we want to provide our business community with this assistance that will allow them to keep their businesses open in our community. Also, on behalf of the Board of Directors, I would like to thank our San Benito City Commission for supporting this program, we appreciate their leadership and commitment to the betterment of our city.”

For eligibility and application process and upcoming Information Sessions please contact Victoria Padron, Economic Development Specialist, via phone at (956) 626-1350 or email at vpadron@sanbenitoedc.us

For any specific questions in reference to this press release, please feel free to contact Rebeca Castillo, EDC Executive Director, via phone at (956) 626-1350 or via email at rcastillo@sanbenitoedc.us