The City of Concord has created its own Small Business Grant Program, which will provide $5,000 grants through CARES Act funding for 130 local small businesses that have experienced a negative financial impact from the global pandemic.
Recipients of the grants must use the funds for operating expenses such as rent payments, bills, payroll or other ordinary operating expenses; personal protective equipment and safety equipment; or proper equipment needed for outdoor operations and that help meet social distancing requirements. A webinar explaining the program in detail will be held on Tuesday, August 11 at 3 p.m. Registration for the event is now open here.
"The City of Concord is dedicated to supporting our local small businesses through this unprecedented and difficult time," said Mayor Tim McGallian. "They not only provide goods and services to our community, they make Concord the vibrant and unique city that residents and visitors love.”
To be eligible for the program, businesses must meet several minimum requirements. Such qualifications include holding an active City of Concord business license issued no later than January 1, 2020; having no more than 25 employees as of March 1, 2020; having a physical location within City of Concord limits; being currently open or intending to re-open; and having experienced a 25 percent revenue loss from April to June of 2020 compared to either January through March 2020 or April through June 2019.
Applications open Monday, August 17 at 8 a.m. and close on Friday, August 21 at 5 p.m. The selection process begins on August 24 and recipients will be contacted directly if they are selected to receive a grant. Businesses that have not received federal assistance through the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) or the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) will receive priority. Retail businesses, restaurants and personal service establishments like hair salons and day spas will also be prioritized.
The City of Concord and Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce are working together to administer the program. All businesses that meet the eligibility requirements are welcome to apply. Chamber members will not receive priority.
To stay up to date on all the latest news and resources available, visit Concord Forward COVID-19 Business Resources and follow The City of Concord on LinkedIn and @CA_Concord on Twitter.