As small businesses in Huntsville continue to suffer financial fallout due to the coronavirus pandemic, the City of Huntsville seeks to provide financial assistance through a COVID-19 Small Business Resource Grant.
The program is designed to provide funding for small businesses to cover economic damages suffered as a direct result of COVID-19. The City of Huntsville has allocated funding of $375,000 to establish a business assistance grant program.
The grant will provide financial relief in amounts up to $10,000 to a business that meets the required criteria and has experienced economic loss as a result of COVID-19. Businesses must meet the eligibility requirements and submit appropriate documents to qualify.
Priority will be given to businesses that have frequent or close contact with customers including retail, hotels, restaurant/food business, and personal care (barbershop, nail salons, etc.). Additionally, priority will be given to those businesses that did not receive other funding from the CARES Act; specifically, the Paycheck Protection Program or the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (PPP, EIDL).
A review committee has been established by the City of Huntsville to review the applications. A business’ year over year change in revenue between March-May 2019 and March-May 2020 and the impacts from the pandemic will be a significant influencing factor in determining whether funding will be provided. The evaluation committee reserves the right to conduct an interview with any applicant to clarify questions around the business, its history, or any other item in the application (either in person or virtually).
Only completed applications will be evaluated. The review committee reserves the right to utilize additional criteria in order to make its funding recommendations.
The application period is currently open and will close on December 2, 2020, at 5:00 p.m. For more information including eligibility requirements, acceptable uses of funds, and submittal requirement or to apply for the City of Huntsville’s Small Business Resource Grant, visit HuntsvilleTX.gov/SmallBusinessGrant. Applications are preferred to be received online, but you may mail or deliver a physical copy to City Hall at 1212 Ave M. If you have questions, or need assistance with your application, contact Tammy Gann at TGann@HuntsvilleTX.gov or 936-294-5793.
In addition to the Small Business Resource Grant, the City of Huntsville has allocated an additional $25,000 to increase a current interlocal agreement with the Community Organization for Missionary Endeavor (C.O.M.E) Center to provide utility and rental assistance to City of Huntsville residents.