Deadline: 30-Jun-21
The City of Abilene Texas has announced the applications for the COVID-19 Small Business Grants Program to provide grant funding to small businesses in Abilene, Texas impacted by COVID-19.
The program is funded through a grant to the City of Abilene from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Coronavirus Aid, Relief, Economic Security Act (CARES Act). In response to the economic hardships experienced by small businesses resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, the Community Foundation of Abilene will administer funds to retain jobs and stabilize local businesses. Grant funds may be used for overhead expenses, rent, utilities, and necessary equipment to continue business operations, among others.
Funding Information
Grant awards ranging from $2,500 up to $50,000 are available, dependent on business factors including annual revenue, number of employees, and revenue decline due to COVID-19.
Eligibility Criteria
Business Assistance Grant funds are open to businesses who meet the following criteria:
- Owner/applicant is a qualified low- to moderate-income (LMI) household OR business commits to retain at least one Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) job held by a low- to moderate-income household.
- Must be located within Abilene city limits.
- Physical business location must be outside the home, with a Certificate of Occupancy on file with the City of Abilene. Home-based businesses are not eligible.
- Annual gross revenue must be under $750,000 (refer to “gross receipts or sales” from 2020 business tax return or Profit & Loss Statement).
- For-profit businesses, including sole proprietorships, corporations, limited liability partnerships and other similar business entities who had fifty (50) employees or less at the time of City of Abilene COVID-19 emergency declaration on March 16, 2020.
- Must have been in operation for at least one year prior to March 16, 2020.
- Be able to demonstrate a loss of revenue due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Must be registered to do business in the State of Texas.
- Owner(s) must have no conflicts of interest with the City of Abilene or Abilene City Council.
- City of Abilene elected officials and their immediate family members, as well as City of Abilene staff, are not eligible for assistance.
- Businesses that contract with the City of Abilene are not eligible.
- Owner must be 18 years or older.
- Owner must have a valid SS#, EIN, DUNS, and Business Bank Account.
- Owner/Applicant must not currently be in bankruptcy nor have filed for bankruptcy in the last twelve (12) months.
- Owner/Applicant must be current with property taxes, State and City sales tax and all City fees.
Ineligible
- Nonprofit organizations are not eligible businesses under CDBG regulations and will not be considered for funding.
- Home-based businesses are not eligible. You must have a physical business location (office, storefront, etc…) outside the home, with a Certificate of Occupancy on file with the City of Abilene.
- Other ineligible businesses include payday and title loan businesses, franchises not locally owned, national/regional chain businesses not locally owned, financial/lending institutions, or businesses operating without appropriate zoning and/or permits.
- Sexually oriented businesses, liquor, tobacco, pawn shops, firearm or weapons dealers, gambling or any establishments operating without appropriate permits are not eligible for assistance.
For more information, visit https://cfabilene.org/community-impact/small-business
