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Solano Workforce Stability Grant for Small Businesses | SHCC

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New Grant Funding for Solano Small Businesses Impacted by Local Closures
A new opportunity for business stabilization in Solano County

Small businesses across Solano County are feeling the ripple effects of major closures in Fairfield, Vallejo, and Benicia. The shutdowns tied to Anheuser-Busch, Mare Island Dry Dock, and the Valero Refinery do not only affect the workers at those facilities. They also impact suppliers, contractors, transportation providers, service businesses, and other local employers that depend on those regional economies. To help businesses respond, the Workforce Development Board of Solano County, in partnership with the Solano-Napa Small Business Development Center, launched the Solano Workforce Stability Grant Program to support business stabilization and layoff aversion.

What funding is available?
Eligible businesses may apply for:
  • Up to $10,000 if your business was impacted by the closure of Anheuser-Busch in Fairfield
  • Up to $10,000 if your business was impacted by the closure of Mare Island Dry Dock in Vallejo
  • Up to $25,000 if your business was impacted by the closure of the Valero Refinery in Benicia
What can the grant be used for?
This funding is intended to help businesses stabilize operations and prevent layoffs. Allowable uses include:
  • Operational pivots
  • Technology upgrades
  • Equipment or machinery purchases
  • Workforce training and upskilling
  • Internal process improvements
  • Targeted marketing or business development tied to replacing lost revenue
  • Limited consulting or professional services directly tied to stabilization and workforce retention
What the money cannot be used for
Grant funds cannot be used for:
  • Owner or employee wages, salaries, or benefits
  • Rent, lease payments, or utilities
  • Loan payments, debt, or credit obligations
  • Construction, major renovations, or capital improvements
  • Vehicle purchase, maintenance, or fuel
  • General operating expenses not tied to layoff aversion
  • General marketing not tied to replacing lost revenue
Quick eligibility checklist
To be considered, a business must:
  • Have a physical business location in Solano County
  • Be currently open and operating
  • Have a valid business license in the city where the business is located
  • Meet the SBA small business definition of 500 or fewer employees
  • Have at least one employee who is not the owner and is at risk of layoff or workforce reduction
  • Demonstrate a direct impact from one or more of the three closures
  • Submit supporting documentation
  • Commit to retaining at least 50% of its current workforce for six months after receiving funds
Important deadline and how to apply
Applications opened on April 1, 2026 and close on May 1, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. PT. Applications are only accepted through the online portal. Late applications will not be accepted.
Apply here: https://solanoemployment.org/funding/ (WDB Solano - WDB Solano)

Free informational sessions
Business owners are encouraged to attend one of the Zoom informational sessions:
  • April 14, 2026 at 3:30 p.m. PT
  • April 21, 2026 at 3:30 p.m. PT

Solano Workforce Stability Grant for Small Businesses | SHCC

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