Small businesses slammed financially by the COVID-19 pandemic stay at home orders can apply for $3,000 grants from the City of Manteca to help cover payroll and other specific expenses.
The City Council on Tuesday established the Small Business Recovery Assistant Grant Program using $300,000 in savings from various general fund capital improvement projects that have been completed during the last 10 months.
The program is designed for businesses with no more than 20 full-time employees that have a physical commercial storefront within Manteca’s city limits. Home occupation businesses and non-profits are not eligible.
The program was established using guidelines established by a committee of business leaders. The funds will be placed in a local bank and once eligibility is conferred, the first 100 applicants that qualify will be issued checks that will signed by two people — one from the City of Manteca and one from the business committee — to assure all criteria are met.
Completed applications can be submitted electronically on Wednesday, May 27, at 9 a.m. Interim Community Development Director J.D. Hightower indicated the city will likely receive more than a 100 applications within the first hour based on the experience nearby cities have had with similar programs
The application period will close once a sufficient number of applications have been received. The first 100 eligible applicants that are verified will receive funding.
The form is posted on the city’s website.
Grant funds may only be used to cover payroll, lease or mortgage payments for business premises, payments on existing equipment, and supplies/inventory
*Grants will be awarded on a first-come, first served basis for qualified applicants.
*Applicants must submit a current copy of its W-9 form upon grant award.
*Applicants must have a City of Manteca Business License.
*Applicants must be in good standing with the City (no outstanding City debt or code enforcement issues).
*Applicants who are involved or have been involved in legal or financial issues may not qualify.
*Applicants must have been in operation in the City of Manteca for at least one year as of March 1, 2020.
*Applicant must own their business property or have a minimum of 3-years remaining on their lease. What also may apply are an option to renew/extend existing lease and if lease negotiations are underway or a lease is in the process of being renewed (must have a lease finalized before grant closes).*Corporate owned franchises or chains (national or local with 3 or more locations in the City of Manteca) will not be eligible for award.
*Businesses that have received a COVID-19 related County, State or Federal Small Business emergency loan or grant are not eligible for award.
*Awards will be made on a first-come, first-served basis.
To contact Dennis Wyatt, email dwyatt@mantecabulletin.com