Small-Business Grants for Companies Hit by Covid-19

Here are the grant programs that could help keep your business afloat during the coronavirus crisis.

Note: This post was updated at 10:34 a.m. EDT on June 14, 2021 and will be continually updated as additional resources become available.

Keeping track of all the relief programs for companies that are struggling due to the coronavirus crisis can feel like a full-time job. While portions of the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program and Payroll Protection Program (PPP) loans can be forgiven and converted to grants, there are also plenty of other small-business grants available for entrepreneurs, some of which are provided by state and local governments. Programs tend to become oversubscribed quickly, so don't wait to apply. Be sure to also check your local government websites.

Here is a list of states, cities, counties, and corporations providing grants for small businesses.

General Grants

GoFundMe has partnered with Intuit QuickBooks, Yelp, GoDaddy, and Bill.com to give small businesses a $500 grant if they raise at least $500 on GoFundMe.
MDCalc has set aside $1 million in advertising grants for companies helping to respond to the coronavirus, in partnership with New York City Health Business Leaders. Grants will be allocated on a rolling basis.
LISC - The Local Initiatives Support Corporation opened a grant program for rural business owners who live in communities of 50,000 people or fewer (mobile businesses should use the address of where their vehicle is located while not in use). The latest application round is now closed, but potential applicants can sign up to receive updates about future grants, according to the website.

State Grants

Arizona businesses can find an updated list of open and closed grants.
California businesses that meet the state's definition of a "qualified small business" can apply for grants up to $25,000 through the beginning of April. The deadline for the sixth and final round of funding, distributed by the California Small Business COVID-19 Relief Program, will be announced soon.
Colorado businesses can apply for grants through the Small Business Relief Program. The application process differs by county, and small businesses should visit the website for more details on where to apply.
Delaware businesses that meet the SBA's definition of small business can apply for DE Relief Grants through an online portal.
Indiana businesses, through $30 million in CARES Act funding, can apply for grants of up to $2,500 for each month the business can show a loss of revenue of at least 40% or up to $5,000 for each month the business can show a revenue loss of up to 80%. The maximum amount is $10,000 per company, which must have been profitable in 2019, fewer than 50 employees, and less than $5 million in 2019 revenue. Application deadlines were extended to January 22.
Maryland businesses can apply for funding through the Relief Act from March 30 to April 6, 2021. Funds will be distributed through six programs for specific groups of businesses such as restaurants and caterers, and and lodging and accommodation businesses. Funds may be awarded on a first-come, first-serve basis, according to the website.

Pennsylvania businesses can apply for $200 million in two different grant programs for damage related to or costs incurred by coronavirus-era closures and adaptation. The applications are available through certified CDFIs. $100 million is set aside for businesses owned by socially or economically disadvantaged individuals.
Texas small business owners can apply for micro-grants from the Texas Black Expo.
Washington small for-profit businesses that were required to close due to public health measures can apply for grants through the state's Department of Commerce. The application portal will be open from March 29 to April 9, 2021.
Virginia entrepreneur Pete Synder is offering emergency funding for businesses that employ three to 30 people and have been operating for at least a year. You are not required to pay back the "loan" unless you would like to later "pay it forward" to another Virginia-area business to whom the funds will then be disbursed.
City Grants
- Boca Raton is offering one-time $5,000 grants to restaurants, retail businesses with no more than 25 employees who closed fully or partially because of the coronavirus and who did not receive any government aid, such as PPP or CARES Act funding. The money can only be used for payroll, rent, utilities, and PPE.
- Champaign, Illinois businesses with fewer than 50 employees owned by low or moderate-income persons or who promise to retain a job for a low or moderate-income position can apply for a grant of up to $15,000.
- Emporia, Kansas retailers, restaurants, bars, service-based businesses, and event centers with fewer than 100 employees can apply for relief grants from Emporia Main Street.
- Middletown, Connecticut businesses can apply for grants of up to $5,000 for the purpose of maintaining operations and paying employees. Applicants must be owned by someone of a low or moderate income household; or employ people who make low or moderate incomes. The assistance must ensure that a person with low or moderate income stays employed for one year after the business accepts the grant.
- Milwaukee, Wisconsin retail, restaurant and service businesses can apply for grants up to $1,200 through the Brew City Match COVID-19 Small Business Grant. Small businesses can also apply for a zero interest loan up to $10,000.
- - This list of Oregon cities providing grants for small businesses is updated regularly.
  - Businesses within the South Lake Union (SLU) neighborhood of Seattle can apply for emergency relief grants from the SLU Chamber of Commerce.
  - Washington, D.C. businesses can apply for several types of grants.
  - Wilmington, Delaware businesses can apply for grants of up to $1,000 until funds run out if they are not AirBnBs, corporate or franchised establishments, check-cashing businesses, or property management or insurance companies. You cannot apply for funds for more than two locations and must make less than $1 million in revenue.
  County Grants
  - Franklin County, Indiana businesses with 50 or fewer full-time equivalent employees that have been in business for at least two years can apply for zero interest forgivable loans through an emergency program. Your business must remain in operation through Dec., 2021 to qualify for full loan forgiveness, according to the website.
  - Miami-Dade and Monroe Counties, Florida businesses can apply for the COVID-19 Layoff Aversion Fund for specific services like cleaning, equipment, and "creative approaches" that "reduce or eliminate the need for layoffs"--but not hazard pay, rent, or wages. Grant amounts depend on number of employees, but the upper limit is 50 employees and $10,000.
    
    Lee County, Florida businesses with 250 or fewer employees can apply for a $5,000-$8,000 grant to help rehire employees who lost their job due to COVID-19 through an emergency program. Business owners must be a county resident and apply by September 18, 2021.
    
    Industry-Specific Grants
    
    New Orleans, Louisiana restaurants and bars with parklet permits from the city can apply for grants of $2,000 to support the transition to outdoor dining. Applicants should be prepared to provide a statement on the intended use of the funds, a plan for the outdoor dining area, and a W-9, according to the website.
    
    Venue operators who were unable to host live performances, theatrical productions, motion picture screenings and other forms of entertainment due to public health reasons can apply for grants through the SBA's Shuttered Venue Operators Grant. The online portal will open April 8, 2021, and businesses can sign up to be notified when the application opens, according to the website.
    
    Crowns & Hops, a brewing company based in Inglewood, California, announced a $100,000 initiative for grants for brewers with diverse backgrounds, in partnership with Scottish brewers BrewDog. You can sign up to learn more here.
    
    Identity-Based Grants
    
    IFundWomen offers a variety of grants for women-owned businesses affected by the coronavirus and otherwise on a rolling basis.
    
    Inc. has assembled a list of funding resources for entrepreneurs of color.

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