Small Business/Non-Profit Grant Program Launching
[NEWS RELEASE] Small businesses and non-profit entities in Apache Junction are invited to apply for up to $10,000 under the city’s Small Business and Non-Profit Assistance Grant Program, made possible by the federal “CARES” Act allocation.
The Apache Junction City Council on Tuesday approved the program during a special meeting to further address the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the community and its economy.
“We have seen how the virus outbreak has hurt our mom-and-pop businesses and non-profits in the city,” said Mayor Jeff Serdy. “This program is meant to try and help them all, which in turn helps the entire community.”
The council set aside a little more than $1.2 million of the city’s CARES Act funding for the program, earmarking $200,000 for the non-profits and the rest for small business.
Applications will be accepted between July 21 and Aug. 25. Grants will be awarded on a rolling basis until funding is exhausted or the grant period closes.
The city received an allocation under the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, which the city is using to cover public safety and unexpected costs due to the coronavirus pandemic. That gave the city council the flexibility in the budget to direct some funds to small business and non-profits with facilities in Apache Junction.
Under the program, businesses and non-profits can apply for up to $10,000 to cover rent, utilities, personal protective equipment (PPE) and/or other required modifications due to mandates related to the virus.
Eligible expenses include up to four months’ rent and four months’ utilities, which includes water, electric, internet, gas and sewer service. Also eligible for grant funds are PPE costs or those incurred for the modifications such as the installation of Plexiglas guards, signage or cleaning materials.
For-profit businesses with locations inside the Apache Junction city limits holding a valid city business license on or before March 1, 2020 are eligible to apply. Businesses cannot be a company-owned franchise and must provide documentation that its income/sales have decreased by at least 25 percent due to COVID-19 starting in January through date of application submittal.
Non-profit entities must have physical locations within the Apache Junction city limits and have seen an increase in demand for services or operations impacted by 25 percent or more to be considered.
Information is available on the city’s website, at www.ajcity.net/ajsbgrant, or call (480) 474-5076 or (480) 474-5071. Applications will be available online on July 21.
