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Small Business Demands Legislation to Fight Growing Swipe Fees

Small Business Demands Legislation to Fight Growing Swipe Fees
This NFIB analysis addresses a massive “hidden” expense for small businesses: Credit Card Swipe Fees (also known as interchange fees). Since the original article is brief, I have expanded it into a comprehensive deep dive that explains the mechanics of these fees, the “duopoly” problem, and the specific legislation currently in the spotlight.
This NFIB analysis addresses a massive “hidden” expense for small businesses: Credit Card Swipe Fees (also known as interchange fees). Since the original article is brief, I have expanded it into a comprehensive deep dive that explains the mechanics of these fees, the “duopoly” problem, and the specific legislation currently in the spotlight.

The Hidden Tax on Main Street: Why Small Businesses Are Fighting Back Against Rising Swipe Fees

For most small business owners, every time a customer taps, chips, or swipes a credit card, a significant portion of that sale vanishes before it even hits the bank account. These “swipe fees” have become the third-highest operating cost for many small businesses, trailing only labor and rent.
As inflation continues to squeeze margins, the NFIB is leading a national demand for legislative reform to break the “duopoly” that controls the credit card market. Here is a detailed look at why this issue has reached a boiling point.

1. The Mechanics of the "Swipe Fee"

When a customer uses a credit card, the merchant (the business) is charged a fee that typically ranges from 1.5% to 3.5% of the total transaction. While this sounds small, it is a percentage of revenue, not profit. For a business with 10% profit margins, a 3% swipe fee actually eats up 30% of their total profit on that sale.
These fees are set by the giant card networks (Visa and Mastercard) but are collected by the banks that issue the cards. Because these fees are often a percentage of the total transaction—including sales tax—swipe fees actually act as an “Inflation Tax.” As prices for goods go up, the dollar amount collected in swipe fees rises automatically, even if the service provided by the bank hasn’t changed.

2. The Duopoly Problem: Visa and Mastercard

The primary driver of high fees is a lack of market competition. Visa and Mastercard currently control over 80% of the credit card market.
Unlike other industries where competition drives prices down, Visa and Mastercard set the interchange rates centrally for all the thousands of banks that issue their cards. This means banks don’t have to compete on price to get a merchant’s business. If a small business wants to stay in business, they must accept these cards, leaving them with zero bargaining power to negotiate lower rates.

3. The Credit Card Competition Act (CCCA)

The “legislation” mentioned by the NFIB refers primarily to the Credit Card Competition Act. This bipartisan bill aims to inject competition into the market by requiring the largest banks (those with over $100 billion in assets) to offer at least two different routing networks for every credit card transaction.
Currently, Visa and Mastercard mandate that transactions made on their cards must be processed through their own proprietary networks. The CCCA would force them to allow at least one independent network (like NYCE, Star, or Shazam) to compete for that transaction. Experts estimate that this competition could save small businesses and consumers over $15 billion annually.

4. Why This Matters for the Consumer

Swipe fees are not just a “business problem.” Because businesses cannot afford to absorb these rising costs, they are often forced to:
  • Raise Prices: Passing the fee onto the consumer.
  • Surcharge: Adding a 3% fee at the register for credit card use.
  • Minimums: Requiring a $10 or $15 minimum for card use, which can turn away customers.
Furthermore, the NFIB points out that swipe fees effectively subsidize high-end “rewards” cards. Lower-income consumers who pay with cash or debit are essentially paying higher prices for goods to fund the “points” and “miles” enjoyed by premium credit card users.

5. The Soho SoCal Perspective: Protecting Your Bottom Line

At Soho SoCal, we view swipe fees as a “leak” in your wealth stewardship. While we focus on protecting your assets through insurance and strategic planning, we also believe in advocating for the “Quiet Confidence” that comes from fair market practices.
Strategic Tips for Business Owners:
  • Evaluate Cash Discounts: Many states now allow “Dual Pricing” where you offer a lower price for cash/debit and a standard price for credit.
  • Review Your Processor: Ensure you are on an “Interchange Plus” pricing model rather than “Tiered” pricing, which is often much more expensive for small businesses.
  • Join the Advocacy: Follow the NFIB’s efforts on the CCCA. Your voice as a local business owner carries significant weight with Congressional representatives.

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SBA Announces New $50 Million Grant Opportunity to Support Made in America Manufacturing, Workforce Training

SBA Announces New $50 Million Grant Opportunity to Support Made in America Manufacturing, Workforce Training
Today, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced a new funding opportunity offering up to $50 million in grant awards to as many as 10 eligible applicant organizations who will provide training and technical assistance to support small manufacturers in the SBA’s Empower to Grow (E2G) Program.
The Manufacturing in America E2G Grant Initiative will empower qualified awardees to deliver regional support to small manufacturers in critical industries, in support of the agency’s ongoing effort to rebuild domestic supply chains, bring back American jobs, and promote industrial dominance.
“America’s reindustrialization is accelerating under the leadership of President Donald J. Trump, and the SBA is proud to stand with the small manufacturers driving that resurgence,” said SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler. “As I travel the country and meet with these builders, innovators, and job creators, I’ve seen firsthand the essential role they play in restoring American industrial strength. Through this targeted initiative, we are equipping them with the resources and workforce support they need to grow, reshore critical supply chains, and help secure America’s position as a global manufacturing powerhouse for generations to come.”
The SBA’s E2G Program is designed to provide eligible U.S. small businesses with free business courses, in-person hands-on training, and one-on-one consulting to support growth, operations, hiring, regulatory compliance, and government contracting competitiveness. The program includes businesses in key industries such as aerospace, ship building, rail equipment, mining, industrial machinery and equipment, construction equipment, metal fabrication, electrical equipment, food processing, medical and precision manufacturing, advanced manufacturing, and robotics.
An eligible applicant for a Manufacturing in America E2G Grant must:
  • Be a for-profit or not-for-profit entity (including, but not limited to small businesses, other than small businesses, trade and professional associations, and educational institutions).
  • Been in existence continually for at least the past three years.
  • Have experience providing technical assistance, tools, or training, etc. relating to small manufacturing businesses on a regional or national basis.
  • Demonstrate that it has the capacity to provide hands-on manufacturing-related training and technical assistance to small business concerns.
The deadline to submit proposals electronically via https://www.grants.gov is June 15 at 11:59 p.m. EDT. To learn more about this grant opportunity, visit here. The SBA will host a webinar on the following dates to inform the public about the grants. Registration is required through the link provided:
The Manufacturing in America E2G Grant Initiative is the SBA’s latest offering to support small manufacturers, who make up 98% of all U.S. manufacturers. The agency announced a new 90% Made in America loan guarantee for small manufacturers and waived loan fees for manufacturing NAICS codes in Fiscal Year 2026, pairing stronger credit support with lower borrowing costs to help manufacturers invest, expand, and grow domestically. The SBA also established the first-ever loan program dedicated to American manufacturers and launched its Make Onshoring Great Again Portal, a free tool connecting small businesses to more than one million domestic suppliers and producers.
To learn more about the manufacturing grants and webinars, visit: Manufacturing Grants. Additional questions or requests for assistance should be submitted via email to e2g@sba.gov.
About the Empower to Grow Program
The Empower to Grow program, formerly known as 7(j) Management and Technical Assistance program, provides eligible U.S. small businesses with free business courses, tailored training, and one-on-one consulting to support their growth, operations, hiring, regulatory compliance, and government contracting competitiveness. The Empower to Grow program uplifts businesses to be procurement ready for federal, state, and local government contracts. For more questions about the Empower to Grow program, visit: Empower to Grow Program.

About the U.S. Small Business Administration

The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of entrepreneurship. As the leading voice for small businesses within the federal government, the SBA empowers job creators with the resources and support they need to start, grow, and expand their businesses or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.

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Create a Resiliency Roadmap for Small Business

Preparedness for Small Businesses

Outsmart Disaster is your preparedness partner. We guide you step by step through creating a Resiliency Roadmap so you can plan during the calm and bounce back when things get tough. We also provide business preparedness tips and recovery resources.

Together, we can be ready for

any interruptions.

Prepare
Recover

Empowering Small Businesses to Prepare in Blue Skies, and Recover from Gray Skies

Every $1 Invested in Disaster Mitigation Saves $13 in Recovery1

40% of Businesses do not Reopen Immediately After Disasters2

An Additional 25% Close Within 12 Months3

Outsmart Disaster’s

RESILIENCY ROADMAP

helps develop a preparation plan with six simple steps

Recognize Potential Threats: Identify, prioritize, and document risks unique to your business

Establish Clear Communication Channels: Gather contacts, plan communication, and set up emergency alerts

Understand Your Operations: Prioritize processes, document equipment, and secure IT systems.

Hazard Mitigation Planning: Assess building safety, inventory, backups, and safety features

Understand Your Insurance and Finances: Review insurance, plan finances, and explore disaster relief options

Create and Test Emergency Response Plan: Train employees, test plans, and prepare an emergency kit

Get Started

Certified Trainer Interest Form

Do you work with small businesses and entrepreneurs? Become an Outsmart Disaster Certified Trainer. This program is designed for community-based organizations, chambers, local agencies, and trainers that support small businesses and want to deliver Outsmart Disaster resiliency training in their communities.

Express Interest

Disclaimer

Outsmart Disaster is a disaster awareness campaign that includes a no-cost business continuity training program offered by the California Office of the Small Business Advocate (CalOSBA). CalOSBA employees support the program in a training capacity only. CalOSBA does not make any recommendations or guarantees and assumes no responsibility concerning the activities of participating businesses. Participants, and not CalOSBA, are responsible for all plans created and any actions taken following the Outsmart Disaster training.

References

  1. U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation
  2. Insurance Information Institute
  3. FEMA

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Why Health Care Costs Have Skyrocketed and What Congress Can Do

Why Health Care Costs Have Skyrocketed and What Congress Can Do
Based on the NFIB analysis and recent legislative updates for 2026, here is a more detailed and comprehensive breakdown of why healthcare costs are skyrocketing for small businesses and the specific solutions currently being debated in Congress.

The Healthcare Crisis on Main Street: Why Costs Are Suraring and How Congress Can Fix It

For over 40 years, small business owners have consistently ranked the rising cost of health insurance as their number one business concern. Today, the crisis has reached a breaking point: only one in three small businesses can afford to offer health benefits, compared to 96% of large employers. This disparity creates a “competitive disadvantage” that makes it nearly impossible for small firms to recruit and retain top talent.

Here is an in-depth look at the root causes of this crisis and the legislative roadmap for relief.

Part 1: Why Costs Have Skyrocketed

The explosion in healthcare costs isn’t just “inflation”—it is the result of systemic inefficiencies and burdensome mandates that disproportionately affect smaller firms.
  • The “Death Spiral” of the Small Group Market: The small group insurance market—where most small firms purchase coverage—is shrinking rapidly. Participation fell by 7.4% in just one year (2022–2023). As healthy groups leave the market for self-insurance or other options, the remaining “risk pool” becomes sicker and more expensive, causing premiums to spike by over 120% for some firms over the last two thập kỷ.
  • Burdensome ACA Mandates: Federal regulations like the Essential Health Benefits requirement mandate that all small business plans cover ten specific categories, regardless of whether the employees need them. This “one-size-fits-all” approach eliminated more personalized, affordable plans that small businesses once used to manage costs.
  • Lack of Transparency & Middlemen (PBMs): Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) act as middlemen between drug manufacturers and insurers. They often engage in “spread pricing”—charging the health plan a higher price for a drug than they pay the pharmacy and pocketing the difference. Because PBMs often profit more when drug prices are higher, they have little incentive to lower costs for small employers.
  • Hospital Consolidation: Rapid consolidation in the healthcare industry has reduced competition. When large hospital systems buy up independent physician offices, they often add “facility fees” to the bill for the exact same services, driving up the cost of care for small business plans.

Part 2: What Congress Can Do (The 2026 Legislative Roadmap)

The NFIB has recently submitted a 2026 Legislative Health Care Plan to Congress, outlining targeted reforms designed to inject competition and flexibility back into the market.

1. Increase Flexibility with CHOICE Arrangements

Congress is being urged to pass the CHOICE Act, which would codify and expand Health Reimbursement Arrangements (HRAs). These allow employers to provide a tax-preferred contribution that employees can use to buy an individual health plan that fits their specific needs. This removes the administrative burden of managing a group plan from the small business owner.

2. Pass the COMPETE Act (Short-Term Plans)

Small businesses need “bridge” options. The COMPETE Act would extend the maximum duration of Short-Term, Limited-Duration Insurance (STLDI) plans to 12 months (up from the current 3-month restriction) and include a renewal guarantee. These plans are often significantly more affordable than traditional ACA-mandated plans.

3. Level the Playing Field with "Site-Neutral" Payments

Congress can lower costs by implementing site-neutral payment policies. This would ensure that an insurer pays the same rate for a medical service regardless of whether it is performed in a high-cost hospital setting or a local doctor’s office. This simple change would disincentivize hospital consolidation and lower premiums.

4. Ban Spread Pricing and Empower Transparency

To tackle drug costs, the NFIB is pushing for a total ban on spread pricing and requiring PBMs to be fully transparent about rebates. Additionally, the Patients Deserve Price Tags Act would require hospitals to post clear, up-front pricing, allowing small business owners and their employees to “shop” for high-value care just like any other service.

5. Association Health Plans (AHPs)

Small businesses are strongest when they work together. Reforming AHP rules would allow small firms to pool their resources and leverage the same massive purchasing power that large corporations use to negotiate lower rates with insurance carriers.

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Small Business Cannot Afford Government-Run Health Care

Small Business Cannot Afford Government-Run Health Care
The debate over universal healthcare in California has reached a fever pitch with the introduction of Assembly Bill 1900. While the promise of “healthcare for all” sounds appealing in theory, the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) and many California small business owners are sounding the alarm. The reality of a government-run, single-payer system is far more complex and costly than its supporters suggest.
Here is a deeper look into the four primary reasons why CalCare is being labeled an “unaffordable plan” for Californians.

1. The Staggering $500 Billion Price Tag

The most immediate concern is the astronomical cost of implementation. Latest estimates place the price of universal single-payer healthcare in California at approximately $500 billion annually.
To put that in perspective, California’s entire state budget for the 2024-2025 fiscal year was roughly $290 billion. CalCare would effectively double the state’s spending overnight. Financing such a massive expansion would require tax increases on a scale never before seen in U.S. history, creating a fiscal burden that could destabilize the state’s economy.

2. The Inefficiency of Government Management

Opponents of AB 1900 point to a “track record of mismanagement” within existing state agencies as a cautionary tale. Small business owners frequently interact with the Employment Development Department (EDD) and the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)—two agencies that have struggled with backlogs, fraud, and technological failures.
The NFIB argues that healthcare—literally a matter of life and death—is too vital to be entrusted to a massive new government bureaucracy. There is a deep-seated fear that a government-run system would lead to:
  • Longer Wait Times: Similar to other single-payer systems globally, elective and specialized procedures could see significant delays.
  • Reduced Innovation: Private sector competition drives medical breakthroughs; a state monopoly could stifle the incentive for new treatments and technologies.

3. A Crushing Tax Burden on Employers

Perhaps the most direct threat to small businesses is the proposed funding mechanism. Since the state cannot print money, the $500 billion must come from California taxpayers. Lawmakers have discussed several aggressive tax hikes to fund CalCare, including:
  • Excise Taxes: Direct taxes on business activities.
  • Payroll Taxes: Increasing the cost of every employee on the books, which could force small businesses to freeze hiring or reduce staff.
  • Personal Income Tax Surcharges: A specific “State Personal Income CalCare Tax” that would target high-earners and business owners who file as individuals.
For a small business owner already operating on thin margins, these additional taxes represent more than just a line item—they are a threat to solvency.

4. Exacerbating an Already Astronomical Cost of Doing Business

California is consistently ranked as one of the most expensive states in the country for business, cited for its high regulations, energy costs, and existing tax rates. NFIB California members emphasize that adding a universal healthcare tax would be the “breaking point” for many “Main Street” shops.
As businesses flee to more tax-friendly states like Texas, Florida, or Nevada, the tax base for those remaining in California shrinks, potentially creating a “death spiral” where taxes must be raised even higher on those who stay to cover the system’s costs.

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Joins Coalition Fighting Lawsuit Abuse

Joins Coalition Fighting Lawsuit Abuse

Shakedown attorneys find new gold mine on the internet

The lawsuit mill in California never stops turning, whether it’s propelled by shakedowns from miniscule, easily correctible violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or by halts to badly needed housing construction from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
Now, there’s a new tool for lawyers specializing in pay-up-to-make-it-go-away litigation to use to shake down small business owners—supposed violations of the internet, using a law that was established before the internet came along.
“Companies with websites accessed by California consumers are increasingly facing lawsuits and arbitration demands under the California Invasion of Privacy Act (CIPA), which imposes potential statutory damages of $5,000 per violation,” reports the American Bar Association. “Plaintiffs’ attorneys are leveraging the decades-old CIPA to circumvent the limitations of newer privacy laws, alleging that using website tracking technologies without obtaining user consent infringes on privacy rights.”
A new coalition NFIB is now part of, ReformCIPA, is supporting Senate Bill 690, a bipartisan measure “to curb this economic and community burden by ensuring modern digital practices are governed by modern privacy laws, rather than a statute written decades before the internet existed,” according to a ReformCIPA news release.
“Originally designed in the 1960s to prevent wiretapping, the law is now being exploited by trial lawyers to target organizations over routine website tools, such as chat features and analytics … Organizations, including non-profits are flooded with ‘pay up or get sued’ demand letters, and because fighting these claims in court is often more expensive than settling, many are pressured into paying massive, unjust settlements. These legal shakedowns ultimately function as a hidden tax on consumers.
“With everyday Californians already struggling under the weight of rising housing, energy, food, and healthcare costs, forcing small businesses to spend thousands on legal defense guarantees those financial burdens are passed directly to families that can’t afford these prices.”
Using environmental, disability, and, now, privacy laws to shakedown people who never consciously violated the spirit of any law is a blight on American jurisprudence and needs to be stopped.
Lawsuit abuse is particularly hard on small business owners who often lack the ability to pay up to make the threat of being hauled into court go away. The law firm of Novian & Novian says, “On average, it costs employers around $75,000 to work with an employment lawyer to settle a claim before it reaches trial. However, if the case progresses to court, the expenses can skyrocket, with pre-trial defense costs easily exceeding $125,000.”
See how much easier it is to pay $5,000 to make it all disappear? What an insidious and malignant way to make money.
Want to be part of this campaign? Click here to join the coalition.

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For Business Owner: Understanding Worker Compensation Insurance in CA

Worker Compensation insurance is a crucial aspect of employee welfare and business operations in California. This document aims to provide a comprehensive overview of Worker Compensation insurance, including its purpose, benefits, requirements, and the claims process. Understanding these elements is essential for both employers and employees to ensure a safe and compliant workplace.

What is Worker Compensation Insurance?

Worker Compensation insurance is a type of insurance that provides financial and medical benefits to employees who are injured or become ill as a direct result of their job. In California, this insurance is mandated by law for most employers, ensuring that workers receive necessary care and compensation without needing to prove fault.

Purpose of Worker Compensation Insurance

The primary purpose of Worker Compensation insurance is to protect both employees and employers.
  • For employees, it ensures that they receive medical treatment and wage replacement if they are injured on the job.
  • For employers, it limits their liability in case of workplace injuries, as employees generally cannot sue their employers for work-related injuries if they are covered by Worker Compensation.

Benefits of Worker Compensation Insurance

  1. Medical Benefits: Covers medical expenses related to the injury or illness, including hospital visits, surgeries, and rehabilitation.
  2. Temporary Disability Benefits: Provides wage replacement for employees who are unable to work due to their injury or illness.
  3. Permanent Disability Benefits: Offers compensation for employees who suffer long-term or permanent impairments.

  4. Death Benefits: Provides financial support to the dependents of employees who die as a result of a work-related injury or illness.

  5. Legal Protection: Protects employers from lawsuits related to workplace injuries, as long as they have Worker Compensation insurance.

Requirements for Worker Compensation Insurance in California

In California, most employers are required to carry Worker Compensation insurance, regardless of the number of employees. Here are the key requirements:
  • Mandatory Coverage: Employers with one or more employees must provide Worker Compensation insurance.
  • Insurance Providers: Employers can purchase insurance from private insurance companies, or they can self-insure if they meet specific criteria set by the state.
  • Posting Requirements: Employers must display a notice informing employees of their rights under Worker Compensation laws.
  • Reporting Injuries: Employers are required to report any workplace injuries to their insurance provider promptly.

The Claims Process

  1. Report the Injury: Employees must report their injury to their employer as soon as possible, ideally within 30 days.
  2. Employer’s Responsibilities: Once notified, the employer must provide the employee with a claim form (DWC 1) and information about their rights.
  3. Filing the Claim: The employee completes theclaim form and returns it to the employer, who then submits it to the insurance company.

  4. Insurance Review: The insurance company reviews the claim and determines whether it is valid. They may request additional information or medical records.

  5. Benefits Approval: If the claim is approved, the employee will receive medical benefits and wage replacement as applicable.
  6. Dispute Resolution: If a claim is denied, the employee has the right to appeal the decision through the Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board (WCAB).

Common Misconceptions

  • Only Physical Injuries are Covered: Many people believe that only physical injuries are covered under Worker Compensation. However, it also includes mental health issues and occupational diseases.
  • You Can Sue Your Employer: While employees can sue third parties for negligence, they generally cannot sue their employer for work-related injuries if they are covered by Worker Compensation.
  • Coverage is Optional: Some employers think that Worker Compensation insurance is optional, but it is mandatory for most businesses in California.

Conclusion

Worker Compensation insurance is a vital component of workplace safety and employee protection in California. Understanding its purpose, benefits, requirements, and claims process is essential for both employers and employees. By ensuring compliance with Worker Compensation laws, businesses can foster a safer work environment and protect their workforce from the financial burdens associated with workplace injuries and illnesses.

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The Best Time to Review Your Workers’ Comp Policy — Here’s Why

Did you know that January marks the highest volume of Workers’ Compensation policy renewals in the country?
This makes January a critical window when businesses actively review their coverage and look for better options. And this year, the timing is especially important. Here’s what’s happening in the market:

January = peak renewal season for Workers’ Compensation policies

Many other commercial insurance lines are seeing rate increases across multiple industries

Several competitors are increasing Workers’ Compensation rates, even for historically stable classes

However, there’s good news.

1. Rate Decreases for Select Industries - Effective January 1, 2026

While the overall California Workers’ Compensation rate is increasing by +1.5%, several key industries are seeing significant rate decreases effective:

  • January 1, 2026 for new business
  • January 1, 2026 for renewal business

We’ve attached a list of high-potential class codes and industries that are experiencing notable decreases, including professional services, manufacturing, warehousing, specialty trades, and more.

The Best Time to Review Your Workers’ Comp Policy — Here’s Why

2. Why this matters to you

If your business falls under one of these class codes, you may be:

  • Overpaying at renewal
  • Missing an opportunity for immediate savings
  • Renewing with a carrier that is increasing rates unnecessarily

A quick review of your Workers’ Compensation policy could result in meaningful premium savings—especially during this renewal window.

3. Next step

We encourage you to review your business classification and reach out to us to see if your industry qualifies for these lower rates. There is no obligation—just an opportunity to make sure your coverage and pricing are still working in your favor.
It is the best time to act. Let’s make sure you’re not leaving savings on the table.

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New funding opportunity from the State of California

We’re excited to share a new funding opportunity from the State of California that could support entrepreneurs and community-oriented small business initiatives across the state.

Social Entrepreneurs for Economic Development 3 (SEED 3)

This grant program aims to encourage and support entrepreneurship among individuals who face significant barriers to employment — particularly those with limited English proficiency and immigrants — by providing micro-grants, entrepreneurial training, and technical assistance to help start or sustain small businesses that address social needs in their communities. (California Grants Portal)

New funding opportunity from the State of California

What the SEED 3 Grant Offers

  • Purpose: Support entrepreneurs in launching or maintaining businesses that address community needs and social challenges. (California Grants Portal)
  • Target populations: Individuals who face employment barriers, including those with limited English proficiency and non-citizens (including DACA or TPS recipients), as well as U.S. citizens within those groups.  (California Grants Portal)
  • Who can apply: Businesses, individuals, nonprofits, legal entities, public agencies, and tribal governments. (California Grants Portal)
  • Total funding: Approximately $6,750,000 available statewide. (California Grants Portal)

Why this matters

  • Encourages inclusive economic development
  • Helps overcome barriers to business ownership and growth.
  • Provides both financial support and valuable training.

Important Dates

  • The grant is expected to open January 26, 2026. (California Grants Portal)
  • Full application details and guidelines will be available at that time via the California Grants Portal.

This opportunity could be highly valuable for entrepreneurs ready to make a positive impact in their communities while building a sustainable business.
For full details, eligibility criteria, and application instructions, please visit the California Grants Portal. If you would like assistance reviewing your eligibility or preparing an application, feel free to reach out.

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New California Grant: Support for Small Businesses When Employees Take Paid Family Leave

As a small business owner in California, you know that when an employee takes time off to bond with a new child or care for a sick family member, the impact is felt across the entire team. While California’s Paid Family Leave (PFL) program helps your employees with wage replacement, the burden of covering their duties often falls on your shoulders—and your budget.

California Small Business Alert: How to Get Up to $2,000 for Paid Family Leave Expenses

The good news? The Paid Family Leave Small Business (PFL SB 4) Grant is here to help you bridge that gap.

1. What is the PFL SB 4 Grant?

Administered by the California Employment Training Panel (ETP) and the Labor and Workforce Development Agency (LWDA), this grant program is designed to help small businesses offset the costs associated with an employee being out on PFL.


Whether you need to cross-train existing staff to pick up the slack or hire and train a temporary replacement, this grant provides direct financial relief to keep your operations running smoothly.

2. How Much Can You Receive?

The grant amount depends on the size of your workforce:

  • Businesses with 1–50 employees: Eligible for $2,000 per employee utilizing PFL.
  • Businesses with 51–100 employees: Eligible for $1,000 per employee utilizing PFL.

3. What Can the Funds Be Used For?

The grant is flexible, allowing you to cover various “out-of-pocket” costs that arise when an employee is on leave, including:

  • Cross-training: Paying for the time and resources to train current employees to handle new duties.
  • Upskilling: Improving the skills of remaining staff to ensure productivity doesn’t drop.
  • Recruitment: Covering marketing and hiring costs if you need to bring in temporary help.
California Small Business Alert: How to Get Up to $2,000 for Paid Family Leave Expenses

4. Is Your Business Eligible?

To qualify for the PFL SB 4 Grant, your business must meet the following criteria:

  1. Size: Employ between 1 and 100 employees.
  2. PFL Usage: Have at least one employee who is currently utilizing (or has recently utilized) the California PFL program.
  3. Registration: Be registered to do business in California and in “Active” status with the Secretary of State.
  4. Tax ID: Have an active California Employer Account Number (CEAN).

Note for PEO Users: If you use a Professional Employer Organization (PEO) for payroll, you are only eligible if your company is listed as the employer on the CEAN. If you file under the PEO’s account number, you may not qualify.

California Small Business Alert: How to Get Up to $2,000 for Paid Family Leave Expenses

5. How to Apply

The application process is designed to be quick—typically taking about 15–20 minutes. You will need:

  • Your 8-digit California Employer Account Number (CEAN).
  • Your business’s NAICS code.
  • The 10-digit EDD Customer Account Number of the employee on leave.

The current window for applications is open, but funds are often distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. If you have employees planning for leave or currently away, now is the time to act.

Apply or learn more at:

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