Stephanie Chavez, a small business owner, opened Sweet Bites N Ice in 2020 after visiting Europe and combining her European experience with her Mexican roots. The dessert food truck faced supply chain issues and challenges in the future. Chavez worked diligently to grow her business, partnering with the Small Business Development Center at Cal State Bakersfield, which led her to the city's Entrepreneurship Grant Program. The program, which offers grants ranging from $5,000 to $40,000, is funded by the American Rescue Plan Act and is designed to help business owners with money for payroll, utilities, mortgage, rent, or expansion costs. Chavez received $40,000 from the program, which she plans to use to expand her business. The city will continue to award grants until they run out of the $1.5 million ARPA funds. Small businesses can apply for the grants after completing one of the city's technical assistance trainings.