Concord businesses can apply for CARES grants
Concord small business owners struggling due to the coronavirus shutdown may be eligible for $5,000 grants from the city.
Concord has created a Small Business Grant Program through Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act funding for 130 local small businesses. A webinar explaining the program was held on Aug. 11.
To be eligible, businesses must hold an active Concord business license issued no later than Jan. 1, 2020; have no more than 25 employees as of March 1, 2020; have a physical location within city limits; be currently open or intending to re-open; and have experienced a 25 percent revenue loss from April to June of 2020 compared to either January through March 2020 or April through June 2019.
Recipients 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.
“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.”
Application deadlines
Applications close at 5 p.m. Friday, Aug. 21. Grant recipients will be contacted directly.
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 Concord Chamber of Commerce are working together to administer the program. Chamber members will not receive priority.
To stay up to date on all the latest news and resources available, visit concordfirst.com/concord-forward/ and follow the City of Concord on LinkedIn and @CA_Concord on Twitter.