LEEP Direct Grant Categories

LEEP Designees can apply for up to $80,000 in Direct Grant Funds in the following categories:

  • Regulatory compliance
  • Capital Improvement
  • Fixtures or Equipment
  • Training and Retention of Equity Verified Workforce

Sample projects for how grant funds can be used in each of these categories are summarized below.

Regulatory Compliance Sample Projects:

  • Survey or Site Plan Development
  • Biological Study/ Botanical or Fish and Wildlife Survey
  • Site Management Plan
  • Storm and Wastewater Management
  • Water Availability Analysis
  • Erosion and Sediment Control
  • Cleanup or Abatement of Hazardous Materials
  • Stream and Stream Bank Restoration
  • Permit(s) associated with capital improvement project

Capital Improvement Sample Projects:

  • Culvert Installation or Replacement
  • Rainwater Catchment System Installation
  • Installing Solar Electrical System to Replace Generators
  • Road or Parking Area Remediation
  • Accessibility related project (ADA Requirements for Building Project)

Fixtures or Equipment Sample Projects:

  • Rain Catchment Water Tank
  • Ventilation System for indoor cultivation
  • Machinery
  • Road or Parking Area Remediation

Training and Retention of Equity Verified Workforce Sample Projects:

  • Training of equity verified candidates
  • Employee Skill Related Training Course
  • Organic Farming Certification
  • Generative Farming and Bio Dynamic Certification
  • OSHA Training

General Business Purpose Categories:

  • Small business support services offering technical assistance or professional services including but not limited to consultants providing technical assistance and support with CEQA analysis and Appendix G development, biological studies, bookkeeping, accounting, legal assistance with entity development, insurance requirements, and required surety bonds.
  • Assistance securing business locations prior to or during the application process. This could include rent and/or lease assistance to support those who need to relocate.
  • Assistance in required trainings such as Cal OSHA
  • Purchase Insurance