[SANTA MARIA, CA. July 1, 2024] -- Eligible small businesses across California can now apply for grants of up to $2,000 per employee through California’s Paid Family Leave (PFL) program. This initiative, funded by the California Employment Training Panel and the California Labor and Workforce Development Agency, aims to support small businesses in managing the additional costs incurred when employees take leave.

These grants are designed to help small businesses cover expenses such as cross-training existing staff and hiring and training new or temporary employees. By alleviating these financial burdens, the program seeks to ensure that businesses can continue to operate smoothly while their employees take necessary time off.

California’s PFL program offers eligible employees up to eight weeks of wage replacement benefits for qualifying reasons, including bonding with a new child or caring for a seriously ill family member.

Small businesses with 1 to 100 employees that have at least one employee utilizing PFL on or after June 1, 2024, are encouraged to apply for these grants.
Also, to qualify for the grant, businesses must:

• Be registered to do business in the State of California
• Be in an active status with the California Secretary of State’s Office
• Have an active California Employer Account Number under which employees are listed for payroll