Small Business Assistance Program

The City of Bellflower’s Small Business Assistance Program offers one-time grants of up to $10,000 for businesses with 25 employees or less, to help businesses respond and recover from the negative impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. The program is funded through a grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development as eligible under Sections 105(a)17 of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974.

Awarded funds are intended to help businesses retain staff and continue to provide quality services to the residents of Bellflower. Use of funds is at the business owner's discretion, however, below are some examples of eligible activities:

  • Overhead expenses;
  • Rent and utilities;
  • Business services (website development, etc.) business inventory and supplies;
  • Capital or equipment purchases necessary for the business operation, excluding vehicles.
Funds may not be used for personal property, repayment of personal debt, paying operating deficits tax arrearages, governmental fines/penalties, general government expenses, personal income, political or religious activities, lobbying, or any activity prohibited in the CDBG regulations in 24 CFR 570.

Only 10 grants will be awarded. Businesses are not expected to pay back the grants.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: NOVEMBER 4, 2021 BY 5:00 P.M. (PST)

If you have the following information available, it will make the application process faster for you to complete:

  • City of Bellflower business license number;
  • Opening date of your business;
  • Tax ID number;
  • Your D-U-N-S Number. A D-U-N-S Number is required for all federally funded programs. Obtaining a D-U-N-S number is free. Obtain one by calling 1-866-705-5711 or by applying online at fedgov.dnb.com/webform;
  • Description of your business and types of services/products you provide;
  • Number of staff (permanent/seasonal) you may employ;
  • Explanation of how your business has been negatively impacted by COVID-19 and the impact to your revenue stream.















Program Eligibility


Businesses must meet all requirements to be eligible for the program. Eligibility requirements are outlined below:

  • Business must be physically located within Bellflower city limits;
  • Business has a current business license, in good standing in the City of Bellflower;
  • Business must employ less than 25 employees, including the owner(s);
  • Business has been operational at least six (6) months;
  • Have or register for a DUNS Number (City Staff are available to assist);
  • Submit all required documents;
  • Meet one of the following criteria below:
    • The service activity of the business is primarily residential, where at least 51 percent of the residents are low- and moderate-income (LMI) persons, and the business’ services meet the needs of the service area residents. If the commercial district is composed of stores and businesses that serve local customers that meet the LMI requirement, then it qualifies; OR
    • 51% of the business’s employees’ household income meets the HUD 80% income limit; or 51% of the business’s employees live in a census tract comprised of a minimum 70% low/moderate income residents (employees do not have to be Bellflower residents).
Ineligible Businesses


Due to federal funding restrictions, businesses that meet one of the following criteria are not eligible for participation in the program:

  • Business that do not currently employ low- and moderate-income (LMI) persons OR that are in a census tract, block group that does not service LMI persons;
  • Businesses that fall into the following categories: gaming/gambling, marijuana dispensaries and manufacturing, and any business or activity that does not comply with local, state or federal laws;
  • Residential and commercial landlords;
  • Hotels/motels;
  • New and/or used auto sales;
  • Non-profit organizations (24 CFR §570.203(b)).
Email Contact: elizarraga@bellflower.org

Phone Contact: (562) 804-1424 ext 2286