There have been grant programs, assistance programs and temporary rule changes over the past 10 months designed to lessen the impact on individuals and business of COVID-19 policies. Here is a list of some of the programs and their status. Programs have opened, closed and some are re-opened as funds from the Federal Government become available. This is not a complete list, so check local organizations or organizations serving your business niche.
Currently Closed Grants:
City of Peoria Small Business Grant
Phoenix Restaurant Restart Grant
Az Covid-19 Community Response Grant
Phoenix Small Business Relief Grant
Phoenix Microbusiness Resiliency Grant
Tempe Small Business Grant
Local First AZ Business Rent & Mortgage Relief Grant
Local First AZ Business Grants in local areas
Arizona Residential Rental Property Owners Grant
Barstool Fund:
Private funds available as grants to small businesses impacted by Covid.
Chandler Business Hiring and Retention Program:
This program was closed but has now reopened with new applications being accepted from Jan. 7, 2021 to Feb. 25, 2021 at 4pm.
The program is open to businesses who:
• Are private, for profit and located in Chandler
• 100 full time or equivalent employees or fewer
• The business must submit a copy of its IRS 941 or alternative payroll documentation
• The business must submit a copy of its IRS W-9
• The business may not be an in-home business. It must lease or own non-residential property
• If the business is a tenant, it must promise to remain in Chandler through Dec. 2021
• The business must be a registered business in Chandler
Qualifying businesses can get up to $10,000 in grants.
Growth Partners Arizona: Small Business Success Loan
This is a non-profit investor in small business and nonprofits. Their Small Business Success Loan is designed to aid small business with working capital, TI, debt consolidation, equipment, growth and expansion. Qualified businesses must:
• Do business in Az
• Have annual revenues in excess of $50,000
• Have been in business at least 2 tax filing periods
• Have a min 660 FICO
For more information go to their website.
Growth Partners Arizona: Kiva Loan
Kiva underwrites no interest, no fee, community backed small business loans. During Covid, Kiva is providing loans up to $15,000 and a 6-month deferment.
APS: SizeUp Arizona
Small and medium businesses and entrepreneurs can use this tool for market research and data. Users can research costs, revenues, customers, locations and market strategies.
PMHDC Microbusiness Loans:
Provides loans to small business owners in Cochise, Maricopa, Santa Cruz and Pinal Counties among others. Loan amounts vary from $500.00 to $75,000.00.
Town of Gilbert Business Relief Grant:
This program closed on Dec. 17, 2020 but is scheduled to reopen in January 2021. Sign up to receive an email when the program re-opens.
UPDATE Town of Gilbert:
Round 2 of COVID-19 Business Relief Grants opened for applications on Feb. 1, 2021. Applications are due by 5pm on March 26th. Grants are for amounts up to $35,000.00.
Town of Gilbert Business Recovery Loans:
The Town of Gilbert and partnered with Desert Financial Credit Union to provide a loan that bridges the gap between other loan programs and business revenue losses due to Covid-19. Loan amounts vary from $10,000 to $50,000. The Town and Desert Financial have recorded a short video explaining the program.
Mesa CARES Small Business Technical Assistance:
The City has a library of recorded webinars in area such as General Business, Marketing, Accounting, Human Resources and more. In addition, the City offers Mesa businesses professional one-on-one consultation services.
City of Peoria Community Block Grant:
Through the CDBG program, Peoria received funds to offer grants up to $10,000 to microenterprises. The Peoria business must have 5 or fewer employees. Applications opened on November 25, 2020 and close January 18, 2021 at 5pm.
Queen Creek Small Business Grant:
Business must be located in Town of Queen Creek. This program reimburses small businesses based on then number of full-time employees (or equivalent) or 1099 contractors. The grant will provide $500.00 per employee up to a maximum amount of $12,500 per business. The reimbursement is based on the costs incurred by the small business to provide enhanced sanitation, social distancing, physical barriers, signage and PPE and other costs due to Covid.
Pinal County Business Sustainability Program:
This program is through Pinal County and provides a one-time reimbursement of costs to qualifying businesses. Costs such as rent, utilities, and mortgage payments for up to three months can be awarded. Costs can occur anytime between March 1, 2020 and Feb. 28, 2021. Applications opened December 1, 2020 and close Feb. 28, 2021 at 5pm.
Arizona Manufactures MEP Assistance Grant Program:
This program is through the ACA (Arizona Commerce Authority) and designed to provide financial assistance to manufacturers negatively affected by Covid.
Members and their clients should check federal, state, and local government as well as local Chambers of Commerce for recent updates to programs. For statewide programs, go to the State of Arizona’s website for state funded grant programs.
Local Chambers of Commerce will be receiving grant funds from the State of Arizona to fund small business initiatives.