Valley Industry Association (VIA) has partnered with Mission Valley Bank and the Santa Clarita Non-Profit Leaders Network to form a proposal that has been sent to Congressman Mike Garcia (R-Santa Clarita) that would provide funds to ease debt for eligible businesses in return for service to better the community.

VIA identified a need in the community, and were inspired to begin working on a solution. In partnership with Mission Valley Bank and the Santa Clarita Non-Profit Leaders Network, VIA drafted a proposal that was sent to the office of Garcia entitled the SCV Helping Hand COVID Relief Initiative.

“Aside from the obvious support that this will provide to needy businesses and ensure available employment in a post-pandemic Valley, this program will support community development, students, landlords, rental agencies and utilities,” read the proposal. “By doing so, the SCV will continue to lead the way as an example of how to protect jobs, ensure a vibrant and connected community, establish improved unity in our region and maintain and stabilize the housing and commercial real estate market.”

If approved, the proposal would make funding available to eligible Santa Clarita Valley businesses in crisis. These businesses are expected to maintain a clean criminal record, provide service through pre-approved organizations and programs, and maintain their presence in the Santa Clarita Valley for the foreseeable future, according to the document sent to Garcia.

In the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, many Santa Clarita small businesses have been left with consequential amounts of debt, with few options on how to survive and bounce back.

Many businesses are now dealing with large debts accumulated over the past year due to being unable to operate during the pandemic closures, and now these debts and continued closures are threatening their ability to stay in operation, according to officials.

In a phone call with KHTS, CEO and President of VIA Kathy Norris said the vision VIA has for the Santa Clarita Valley community is one of vibrance, connectedness and restoration.

VIA has been working closely with local businesses to find out their needs, which brought about their partnership with Mission Valley Bank and the Santa Clarita Valley Non-Profit Leaders. VIA describes this opportunity not as a hand-out, but a hand-up that will improve the community as a whole.

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