The Lake Almanor Area Chamber of Commerce was recently awarded $45,000 in grant funding from Plumas County to support businesses and technology. This funding comes from The American Rescue Plan Act for Technology and Economic Development Business Support to work on initiatives directly tied to the Sierra Economic Development District (SEDD) Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) Community Workplans, and work together to improve the Plumas County Business Sector. 



This grant program has been designed to support our chamber members and local business community by reimbursing a portion of business-related expenses with the intention of helping foster growth and recovery within our business community. Grant program awards will be given on a first come first serve basis for those who meet the criteria outlined in these guidelines.

Eligibility Requirements 

• Business Location: Business must be located within the Lake Almanor Basin, have a physical address and within Plumas County.
• Membership: Must be an active member of the Lake Almanor Area Chamber of Commerce for at least 6 months. 
• Business Type: Open to all businesses, including retail, service, manufacturing, and non-profits. Federal, state, and local government entities are excluded. 
• Licenses and Certifications: Must have all necessary local, state, and federal licenses and permits required for your business operations. Must be able to submit copies of current business license with application for funding. Nonprofits must be in good standing for tax purposes. 

Program Specifics 

• Project Scope: Grants are available for a variety of projects related to expansions, building/façade/signage improvements, technology upgrades, or other business-related expenditures that provide a nexus to improvement of business operations.  Allowable costs include labor and/or materials. Materials purchased for DIY projects are allowed. 
  
• In order to maximize dollars added to our local economy, project vendors must be a current member in good standing with the Lake Almanor Area Chamber of Commerce. Vendors must hold all applicable current local and state licensing to do business. If no businesses are available locally with the required labor skills or materials, a request to waive the requirement must be made and will be considered on a case-by-case basis. 
• Project Approval: Projects must be pre-approved by the Lake Almanor Area Chamber of Commerce. 

Grants and Member Match Amounts:

• Approved projects for technology may receive grant funding for up to $2,000. Funding requests for projects that are not related to technology may receive a match of $1.00 for every $2.00 spent up to the maximum reimbursement amount of $2,000. Payment is made after project completion and submission of receipts/proof of payment. The Chamber’s timeline for awarding funds will be after September 1.

Technology Grant Example:

“Business ABC” spends $2,000 on upgrading business technology with a local vendor to purchase and/or install hardware, would receive a reimbursement of up to $2,000 because they used a local business, provided proof of payment, and proof of project completion in their business location. Please note, monthly and/or annual memberships for software applications are excluded.

General Project Grant Example:

 “Business 123” spends $4,000 for a new piece of equipment (furnace) would receive reimbursement for up to $2,000 because they used a local business, provided proof of payment and proof of project completion in their business location. 

New Business Grant: New businesses are eligible to apply for program funding. To be eligible you must provide proof of business license or similar documentation and provide a detailed timeline for opening. 

Application Documentation 

• Completed Application Form: Completed and signed.
• Verification or Proof of Lake Almanor Area Chamber of Commerce Membership: Verification of membership status will be completed by the Chamber. (ie, current membership dues)
• Financial Documentation: Estimate of costs for the project, list of vendors expected to be used. 
• Summary of timeline for project completion. 
• Project Impact Statement: Explanation of how the project will benefit the business and/or community. 

Program Guidelines 

• Reimbursement: Grants/Matches are provided as reimbursement after project completion and verification. 
• Submission Deadline: Applications must be submitted to the Lake Almanor Area Chamber of Commerce Office at PO Box 1198, Chester, CA 96020 or submitted via email to:  info@LakeAlmanorArea.com 
• Review Process: Applications will be reviewed by a committee within thirty business days after receipt. 
• Notice of Program Award: The chamber will notify applicants in writing for those who have met program requirements; award notification will include the amount of the funding reimbursement.
• Program Funding Expenditure Period: This two year grant program funding is eligible for projects that have been completed in either 2025 or 2026. Awarded f unding will be divided into two years.  A total of $22,500 awarded in 2025 and another $22,500 in 2026.

How to Apply

• Gather Estimates: Copies of estimates must be attached to the Grant Funding Program project application (see Exhibit A for reference of application). Applications submitted without estimates will not be considered. Funds must be available to begin the project immediately.
• Complete Program Application: Complete and sign program application. Ensure all documentation is accurate and complete to avoid delays in processing. Incomplete applications will not be considered for funding.
• Submit Application:  Applications can be delivered to or mailed to the Lake Almanor Area Chamber of Commerce Office or may be submitted via email to:  info@LakeAlmanorArea.com  If you choose to submit your application via email, please make sure all receipt attachments are legible and the subject of the email states: Grant Funding Program Application.
  
  

Application Review Process

Applications received will be reviewed by the Lake Almanor Area Chamber of Commerce’s Grant Funding Program Committee. The committee will be responsible for verifying application completeness, receipt verification, chamber member verification, and program dollar amount awarded. The committee will be comprised of a minimum of three chamber committee members and chamber staff. Application awards will be given on a first come first served basis until reimbursed funding is exhausted. Grant reimbursements will be awarded after September 1, but funds must be spent before the end of the year. 

Program Notes

The chamber reserves the right to verify all information provided and may request additional documentation at the discretion of the committee. The program will expire when the $45,000 of funding has been exhausted or through program end which is January 31, 2027. The Chamber Board can extend the program by board vote.

Print & Fill Out This Application & Hand It in To The

Lake Almanor Area Chamber of Commerce

101 Meadowbrook Loop, Chester, CA 96020

– or –

Fill It Out Digitally & Send It To

info@LakeAlmanorArea.com