Interested in opening a business or building a home in Paradise? New ventures often come with unexpected price tags. Fortunately, there are a variety of grants and loans available to help offset some of these costs. If you’re thinking about opening a business or building a home in Paradise, spend some time researching these grants to see if you might qualify!
Starting a Business
California Rebuilding Fund [Up to up to $100,000]
The California Rebuilding Fund provides low-interest loans for small businesses and can be used for start-ups and refinancing. Visit www.caloanfund.org for eligibility and to learn more.
3CORE Revolving Loan Funds [Between $25,000 – $250,000]
3CORE provides business services to foster economic development and grow healthy business communities. They are a community lender in the California Rebuilding Fund (see above). They also provide mentoring and perspective to help businesses thrive. Visit 3coreedc.org to learn more.
Small Business Administration Loans, Grants, and Disaster Assistance [Varies]
Since its founding on July 30, 1953, the U.S. Small Business Administration has delivered millions of loans, loan guarantees, contracts, counseling sessions, and other forms of assistance to small businesses. Visit sba.gov.
Building a Home
Septic Repair & Replacement Grant [Up to $17,000]
This grant of up to $17,000 is available to assist uninsured or underinsured property owners with the repair or replacement of septic systems damaged during the Camp Fire. The program funds cover eligible costs of a licensed septic contractor to repair or replace a residential septic system. Click here for more information and to find the eligibility requirements or contact the Septic Grant Technician at (530) 872-6291 x429 and eclemens@townofparadise.com.
ReCoverCA Owner-Occupied Housing Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Program (OOR Program) [Up to $200,000]
Homes damaged or destroyed by the Camp Fire may be eligible for up to $200,000; low to moderate-income households will receive priority. If you are a disaster survivor and wish to see if you qualify, start by taking the 2018 Disaster Housing Assistance survey available at the Recover CA website. If you need assistance with the survey, contact Butte County OOR Case Managers Brittney Murray or Glen Johnson at (916) 202-1764.
Low-Interest, Deferred Loans for Homeowners [Up to $150,000]
The Town of Paradise offers deferred, low-interest loans to low and moderate-income households rebuilding after the Camp Fire. These can be used even if insurance funds and/or FEMA funds have been spent. For more information on eligibility and how to apply, click here or call the Town’s Housing Department at (530) 872-6291 x122.
Missing Middle Grant for Qualifying Middle-Class or Lower Middle-Class Households [Up to $5,000]
Rebuild Paradise Foundation is offering grant funding awarded as reimbursement for the following pre-construction costs: up to $2,000 (max) for survey costs, up to $2,000 (max) for architecture/engineering fees, and up to $1,000 (max) for water-related expenses. For more information on eligibility and to apply, visit the Rebuild Paradise website.
First Time Home Buyer Program
The Town of Paradise offers a deferred, low-interest loan to eligible first-time homebuyers based on Federal 2022 Income Limits as down payment assistance to purchase a home. A first-time homebuyer is defined as someone who has not owned a home in the past three years. Learn more here.
Owner-Occupied Housing Rehabilitation and Reconstruction
The Town of Paradise offers housing repair, rehabilitation, and reconstruction services to its residents through federal and state-funded programs. The housing rehabilitation/reconstruction program provides deferred, low-interest loans to low and moderate-income households for health and safety repairs, including complete reconstruction or replacement of a manufactured home. See if you qualify here.
CDBG-DR Multifamily Housing Program for Developers [ $250,000+]
As part of the Presidentially Declared Disaster response and recovery process, the Town of Paradise has received $55.9 million in federal Community Development Block Grant- Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) funds to assist in the rebuild of rental housing in our community. The Town anticipates utilizing these funds for the construction of rental properties through a series of Requests for Proposals being issued over the next few years. Applicants must be a non-profit or for-profit developer and clearly demonstrate their experience in developing market rate and affordable rental housing units. View the RFP here.
These are just a few of the loan and grant opportunities available. For more resources and information on how to get started, please visit www.townofparadise.com, visit us at the Building Resiliency Center (6295 Skyway, Paradise, CA 95969), or give us a call at (530) 872-6291 ext. 411.
