Apply here:
The Small Business Resiliency Fund is a part of the District’s efforts to meet the existing and future COVID-19 related needs for District’s small businesses to help businesses continue operations while protecting people, assets and presence.
The Small Business Resiliency Fund will provide $3 million in emergency operational funding and will be open to small, local businesses in the District of Columbia with 50 or fewer employees and independently owned restaurants without regard to employee-size.
Grant monies may be used for:
- Business model strategy redesigning and pivoting
- Business continuity plan development
- Strengthening of digital retail experiences including complimentary e-commerce platforms and/or online shops to bolster brick-and- mortar business
- New marketing efforts
Personal protective equipment (PPE) and/or disinfection products.
Businesses must:
- Be duly organized and incorporated in the District of Columbia
- Have a facility located in within the District of Columbia;
- Have a current, active District of Columbia business license and Certificate of Occupancy;
- Have or attain a Clean Hands from the DC Office of Tax and Revenue before grant funding;
- Have been revenue-generating for at least three (3) months prior to the declaration of the COVID-19 Response Emergency Amendment Act of 2020;
- Derive at least 51% of its gross receipts from the District of Columbia;
- Generate less than $3,000,000 in gross receipts;
- Demonstrate a loss of revenue of 25% or more;
- Grant funds will be used for business model restructuring, business continuity plan development, related COVID-19 marketing expenses, and the purchase of personal protective equipment (PPE), and/or disinfection products for the business;
- Employ at least one District resident, including owner. For the purposes of this grant, W-2 or 1099 independent contractors are acceptable, and
- Businesses receiving grant funds must comply with local and federal guidelines for operating their businesses (social distancing guidelines, disinfection protocols, occupancy restrictions, and so forth); and,
- Submit a W-9 form (if awarded).
Small Business Resiliency Fund FAQ’s
Who is eligible?
Small, local businesses in the District of Columbia with 50 or fewer employees and independently owned restaurants without regard to employee-size.
Who is ineligible?
Nonprofits and the following businesses are not eligible for this funding opportunity.
- Adult entertainment
- Auto body repair
- Banks
- Childcare centers
- Construction/general contracting/architecture/design-build
- E-commerce business
- Financial services
- Home-based businesses
- Hotels
- Liquor stores
- Livery, taxi or shared vehicle driver/operators
- Phone stores
- Professional services (For example, but not limited to, dental practices, medical offices, law firms, actuaries, accountants, consultants)
- Real estate development/property management/realtor
- Seasonal (open only part of the year)
How do I apply?
Applications for the Great Streets Resiliency Fund Form will be submitted online via the application portal located on www.coronavirus.dc.gov/recovery-business. Applications open on Tuesday, October 6, 2020 at 4 pm/ET and close on Friday, October 23, 2020 at 11:59 pm/ET.
When will I receive my funds?
A disbursement of funds will occur upon completion of the award recommendation, awardee information form, receipt of documents, and signed grant agreement.
How was a funding decision determined and how much is the average award?
The Small Business Resiliency Fund will seek equitable distribution of grant monies with consideration to location, economic injury, industry, and District resident employment. Each grant award will be $10,000. There is no average award amount.
Eligible uses of the funds include capital to support business model pivots, continuity plan and infrastructure development (e.g., e-commerce platform procurement), related COVID-19 marketing expenses, and the purchase of personal protective equipment (PPE), and/or disinfection products for the business.
How do I request an updated Certificate of Clean Hands?
of this summer, businesses and nonprofit organizations can request a Certificate of Clean Hands through the MyTax.DC.gov portal. Learn how to navigate this new process by visiting OTR's website: www.otr.cfo.dc.gov/page/certificate-clean-hands.
Is translation assistance available to help me submit the requested information?
Please send an email with this request to [email protected] and we will be happy to assist you.
Is there an application guide or resource?
Yes. An Application FAQ can be found here.
If I have additional questions, how may I contact you?
City First Enterprises is the Small Business Resiliency Fund Administrator. Questions can be directed via email to [email protected]. An Application FAQ can be found here.