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Porterville awards cannabis community benefit grants to local nonprofits and small businesses
Summary
Council approved awards from the community benefit cannabis fund: six small-business grants (up to $5,000 each) and seven nonprofit grants. The council also approved program adjustments including eligibility periods, an annual application window and a 90‑day documentation requirement.
The City Council approved awards under the Community Benefit Cannabis Grant Program for Porterville‑based small businesses and nonprofit organizations and adopted recommended program modifications.
Staff reported 14 small-business applications were received on a first‑come, first‑served basis; funding was available for the first completed applicants. The approved small-business awardees (up to $5,000 each) are: Glow Club Pilates and Wellness; Julia’s Beauty Bar; California Tutoring Company; Eddie’s Dog House Grooming; El Nuevo Mahikali; and Back to Balance Chiropractic.
On the nonprofit side, seven completed applications were awarded funds. Approved nonprofit recipients are Central California Family Crisis Center; Imagine Community Arts Center; Barn Theater; Valley Oaks Community Church; Sierra View Foundation; Tule River Parkway Association; and Valley Adult Day Services. Staff said 11 nonprofit applications were received but only seven were complete and eligible for award in this round.
The cannabis advisory committee recommended program modifications that the council adopted: a small‑business ineligibility period of three years following receipt of an award (and two years for nonprofits), a standardized annual three‑month application window for both program tracks, and a requirement that award recipients submit documentation of fund use within 90 days or face repayment and future ineligibility.
Councilmembers said the rollout aimed to broaden participation and prioritise equitable distribution across applicants. The motion to approve awards and the program modifications passed 5‑0.
