Small businesses can apply for the new Chehalis CARES Small Business Grant through November 6, 2020
The grant application process is now closed.
Small businesses are integral and vital to the economic and social fabric of Chehalis. Accordingly, the Chehalis Community Renaissance Team has partnered with the City of Chehalis to provide the Chehalis CARES COVID-19 Small Business Grant Program for small businesses impacted by COVID-19. The COVID-19 Small Business Grants are emergency grants of up to a maximum of $5,000 for small businesses that employ no more than 20 employees.
This COVID-19 Small Business Grant program is expected to provide support for Chehalis businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent stay-at-home orders. The goal of the grant program is to assist small businesses during this global pandemic in order to continue to support Chehalis’ economic activity and retain jobs.
Priority will be given to applicants that clearly demonstrate the impact of the pandemic on their business, have not received other disaster funding, and commit to the retention of jobs if awarded grant funds.
The grant application timeline is limited! Incomplete applications will not be considered. Please submit your application online in its entirety. The Chehalis CARES COVID-19 Small Business Grant program has a total of $50,000 to award to small businesses. Applications will be ACCEPTED UNTIL 5:00 P.M. NOVEMBER 6, 2020. Late applications will not be considered.
COVID-19 SMALL BUSINESS GRANT ELIGIBILITY
- Businesses must be located in the city of Chehalis city limits;
- Employ no more than 20 employees;
- Have been in operation prior to March 1, 2020 and hold applicable business license;
- Have been directly and negatively affected by the COVID-19 health pandemic.
INELIGIBLE BUSINESSES
- Cannot be engaged in any illegal activity (as defined by Federal guidelines).
- Companies with outstanding local tax liabilities or tax liens as of October 1, 2020, or currently in bankruptcy (corporate or personal) are not eligible.
APPLICANT CRITERIA
- Registered business with the Secretary of State in operation as of March 1, 2020
- Up to 20 employees (Part-time and 1099 employees must be included) including employer
- Business and business owner must be in good standing (i.e. no active judgments, liens, and bankruptcies, arbitration settlements requiring withholding of funds, convicted felons, court costs, or criminal victim reimbursement programs)
ELIGIBLE GRANT USES
This is a grant program, so no payback is required. However, funds may only be used for the approved eligible uses listed below. These funds are considered taxable income, so please contact your financial advisor for guidance.
The funds must be used to cover only the eligible items listed below. Costs must have been incurred between March 1, 2020, and November 6, 2020. If you are awarded this grant, a detailed list of expenditures along with all supporting documentation must be submitted with the CCRT agreement form when the contract is signed and before payment will be released. Documentation shall be in the form of paid invoices, bank statements, or similar documentation showing payment of eligible expenses. This agreement is due no later than November 13.
- Utilities
- Rent
- PPE
- Supply costs associated with social distancing regulations
- Payroll
CCRT retains the right to terminate any agreement under the Small Business Grant Program if a grant recipient is found to be in violation of any conditions set forth in the grant guidelines or grant agreement.
ALL REQUESTED REIMBURSEMENTS MUST BE FOR SERVICES THAT TOOK PLACE BETWEEN MARCH 1, 2020 AND NOVEMBER 6, 2020. THESE GRANT FUNDS CANNOT PAY FOR FUTURE EXPENSES OR ANY EXPENSES PRIOR TO MARCH 1, 2020.
The following list provides examples of ineligible expenditures grant funds covered under the Small Business Grant Program:
- Expenses for the State share of Medicaid
- Damages covered by insurance
- Reimbursement to donors for donated items or services
- Workforce bonuses other than hazard pay or overtime
- Severance pay
- Legal settlements or attorney fees
- Repayment of federal loans
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
Please submit your application online in its entirety with all attachments. INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED. The COVID-19 Small Business Grant Program has up to $50,000 to award to Chehalis businesses. Applications will be accepted until November 6, 2020 at 5 PM.
THE FOLLOWING ATTACHMENTS MUST BE SUBMITTED WITH YOUR APPLICATION:
- Proof of State of Washington business registration
- Proof of all other Federal Disaster Funding and amounts
- Full employee list as of March 1, 2020 AND as of October 1, 2020
- Financial documents January through September 2019 and January through September 2020 demonstrating net business impact due to COVID-19. (Financial documents can include: point-of-sales reports, bank statements, quarterly sales tax fillings, 2019 tax returns, or profit & loss statements.)
- Copy of front and back of Washington State driver’s license or government-issued ID
GRANT FAQ’S
- How is the employee count determined?
The 1-20 employee count is determined by the total number of employees, which includes full-time and part time employees, as well as 1099’s as of March 1, 2020.
- I have multiple businesses, is there a cap to what I can receive?
The cap is $5,000 for one eligible business.
- How will I submit my documents to you?
Clear legible scans, photos, and screenshots of the required documents can be uploaded to the grant application submission page.
- I have applied for other disaster aid loans, does that make me ineligible?
No, however, this will be reviewed by the grant committee and considered when awarding grants.
- Can non-profit organizations apply?
No, the Chehalis CARES COVID-19 Small Business Grant Program is for small businesses only.
- Are home-based businesses eligible to apply?
Home-based businesses are eligible as long as the funds are used for eligible items.
- What happens if I do not include all the required documents when I submit my application?
Incomplete applications will not be accepted. Only submit your application when you are able to provide the required documents. Applications will only be considered when they are submitted in their entirety.
- Can I apply in person or by mail?
The application must be completed and submitted online once you are able to provide all of the required documents. If you need assistance or access to a computer to complete the application, please contact CCRT Executive Director at 360-219-7088 or annalee@experiencechehalis.com.
- What happens if I’m awarded this grant?
If you are awarded this grant, you will submit a detailed list of eligible expenses using the CCRT form provided, sign an agreement with the Chehalis Community Renaissance Team and submit a W-9. Once all required documents and signatures are received (no later than November 13) a check will be issued by CCRT no later than November 16, 2020.
- Would these funds be considered gross income taxable to a business receiving the grant under the Internal Revenue Code (Code)?
The receipt of a government grant by a business generally is not excluded from the business’s gross income under the Code and therefore IS taxable. More information: https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/cares-act-coronavirus-relief-fund-frequently-asked-questions
- If I have questions after reading this FAQ, to whom do I send my question(s)?
If you have additional questions, please send an email to: annalee@experiencechehalis.com.