Stockton, CA - Today, the San Joaquin County Employment and Economic Development Department (EEDD) announced available funding through the San Joaquin Small Business Resilience Program to provide financial assistance to eligible local businesses to help manage the workforce and business-continuity costs that can arise when an employee takes California Paid Family Leave (PFL). The program is offered in partnership with the San Joaquin County Economic Development Association (EDA).

Currently, California PFL provides up to eight weeks of wage replacement for workers caring for a new child, a seriously ill family member, or a qualifying military event. For small businesses, extended absences may require cross-training staff or hiring new workers. This assistance will help small businesses offset the costs associated with employee absences and maintain day-to-day operations while supporting employees on family leave.

Eligible businesses with 1-50 employees may receive up to $2,000 per employee on PFL, while businesses with 51-100 employees may receive up to $1,000 per employee.

To be considered, businesses must meet the following requirements:

• Be located in San Joaquin County
• Have 1-100 employees
• Have at least one employee using California PFL during the grant period
• Be registered to do business in California
• Be active with the California Secretary of State's Office
• Have an active California Employer Account Number under which their employees are listed for payroll

The program is funded through the California Employment Training Panel's Paid Family Leave Small Business Grant Program. Reimbursement grants are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. The grant period runs from June 30, 2026, through June 29, 2028, or until funds are exhausted. Funding can help cover employee training, temporary staffing, recruitment, onboarding, business continuity, and workforce transition expenses.

For full eligibility requirements and to apply, visit https://45522635.hs-sites.com/sjpflgrant. For questions, call (209) 468-3615 or email EDA@sjcworknet.org.

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