Throughout the Covid-19 economic crisis, small business has suffered greatly. First there was the PPP and EIDL loan programs, but both PPP and EIDL are loan programs. Distressed small business didn’t need to go into more debt and some were hesitant to accept the federal program aid because if the business failed, the owner still had to repay the loan.
Now there are grant programs at the local level to help small business owners survive. Here is a list of programs with links. This is not an exhaustive list of all programs and resources, but I hope it is a starting point for those who need help:
www.weservgad.org – Arizona’s 211 program, MAGs transportation program, Maricopa County SAIL program and other social service resource links.
211– A statewide resource for all types of financial and physical services including bill pay, housing, business resources and shelter services. Search by county or topic.
Arizona Grant Watch: Find grants available to Arizona businesses, organizations and individuals.
Arizona Small Business Rent & Mortgage Relief Grant Program – Fund provides funds to meet rent and mortgage payments for up to 2 months. Applications will open Aug. 20th.
Az Rental Property Owner Preservation Fund – $5 million allocated to provide rental income to property owners, large and small, who have suffered loss of income because of the COVID-19 rental eviction moratoriums.
Avondale Small Business Improvement Program – Provides up to $50,000 to assist with rehabilitation and improvements of commercial properties in Cashion and Historic Avondale.
Avondale Small Business Academy – Program partnership with Goodyear, Tolleson, Litchfield Park and the Southwest Chamber providing workshops to small businesses.
Avondale Home Repair Assistance – Provides funds for either emergency or large home repairs
BBB Main St. Matters – Emergency grants of $500 or $1000 to small businesses with 5-20 employees are prioritized.
Buckeye Catalyst Program – Designed to help business owners rehabilitate their existing property. The application period is July 27th to September 24th. A business can apply for up to $50,000 in program assistance and there is a matching fund requirement.
CARES Act Readiness Program – Az Chamber of Commerce, Az Small Business Association, and the ACA joined forces to bring together a website helping small business access funds from various sources.
Casa Grande Small Business Collaborative – Resources, webinars and a library of information to help small business.
Casa Grande CARES Local Business Relief – Financial assistance to Casa Grande local business and non-profits up to $10,000. Applications accepted Aug. 12th to Sept 11, 2020.
Chambers of Commerce:
Buckeye
Glendale
Peoria
Surprise
Southwest Valley
Casa Grande
Tempe
Chandler
Sierra Vista
Douglas
Arizona Chamber of Commerce
Chandler – Grants up to $10,000 offered to businesses in certain sectors initially. If funds remain unused after sector applications are processed, other industries will be invited to apply. Applications open Aug. 17th.
Cochise County – Business Resources and Information from Chambers, Cochise College, Federal and State resources.
Glendale Small Business Grant – Non profit and agencies will administer this program. Applications for administering the program will be accepted until Sept. 1st. Watch the City of Glendale website for program announcements.
Local First Arizona Webinar Series – Webinars designed to help small business pivot, thrive and leverage resources that are free or low cost. August 17th Governor Ducey announced Local First Arizona will be managing the new small business grant program of $10 million. Small businesses can apply for up to $25,000.
Maricopa County Small Business Grants – For profit and nonprofits operating in Maricopa County, but not the cities of Phoenix or Mesa, with 50 or fewer employees are eligible to apply. Applications will be accepted from Aug. 17th to Oct. 2nd 2020. Grants will range in size between $10,000 and $25,000.
Mesa – Mesa CARES Program – Small business grant and technical assistance programs
Peoria Small Business Grant – Provides up to $20,000 to small businesses for losses due to COVID-19. Applications accepted Aug. 19th to Sept. 18th 2020.
Pinal County Business Sustainability Program – Provides a one time re-imbursement of up to $30,000 for new recipients or up to $15,000 to past recipients for rent, mortgage and utility payments over a 3 month period. Applications are accepted from Aug. 17th to Oct. 16th 2020.
SBDC Arizona – Small business resources and workshops
Surprise/New Leaf Tenant Rental Assistance – Provides up to 24 months of rental assistance and assistance locating a unit.
Surprise Cares Housing Program – Provides up to 3 months of financial assistance to Surprise residents in utility, mortgage/rental assistance when income was reduced because of COVID-19.
Tempe Small Business Grants – Go to Maricopa County program