Dunwoody Cares - Small Business Relief Grant Fund for Dunwoody-based small businesses impacted by COVID-19

 https://dunwoodycares.com/

The website for the Dunwoody Small Business Relief Grant Fund is now live, and the application process begins on Monday, December 21. The grant program allows Dunwoody-based small businesses impacted by COVID-19 to request rent, lease or mortgage reimbursement with a maximum award of $30,000 for each applicant. 

Dunwoody Small Business Relief Grant website

“We want to give small businesses time to become familiar with the criteria and gather necessary materials before opening the application process,” said Dunwoody Economic Development Director Michael Starling. “Our goal is to provide as much support as possible in these unprecedented times.”

Grant funds can be used to reimburse the cost of rent, lease, or mortgage payments for real property used for business purposes for up to six months, from April through September 2020. To qualify, small businesses, with two to 50 employees, must be able to document financial hardship due to COVID-19.

Each business owner will be required to complete an on-line application. The business must be in good standing with the City and in operation for a minimum of one year prior to March 1, 2020. Funding is limited and will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.

“This is the most important step we’ve taken so far in support of small businesses in Dunwoody,” said Dunwoody Mayor Lynn Deutsch. “We understand the significant struggles they have faced and hope this can provide some relief.”

This is the third program funded through Dunwoody’s portion of DeKalb County’s disbursement of funding through the CARES Act. In October, the Vulnerable Population Program provided $400,000 in grants to eight local not-for-profit organizations serving people impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Council has also approved $150,000 in CARES Act funding for the city’s Al Fresco Matching Grant Program, which provides grants to local businesses that want to begin or expand outdoor operations. 

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS TO APPLY

The following are basic eligibility requirements for applicants to be considered for grant funding through the Dunwoody Small Business Relief Grant Program

• Dunwoody-based businesses (must have a physical address in the corporate limits)
• Business in good standing (active City-issued business license, all necessary fees paid, no outstanding code violations)
• In business and operating a minimum of 1 year prior to March 1, 2020
• At least two (2) full-time or full-time equivalent (FTE), maximum 50 FTE as of March 1, 2020
• Shall cooperate with appropriate officials for grant auditing purposes

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

• Copy of their current City of Dunwoody business license
• Completed W-9 form for business, DBA, Tax ID Number and Mailing Address for Grant Check must match entries in General Information section
• Valid state issued photo ID
• Receipts and/or proof of Rent, Lease or Mortgage payment
• Signed and executed City of Dunwoody Small Business Grant program application
• W3 Summary or IRS Form 941 prior to Feb. 15, 2020
• Statement of hardship: (i) summary of changes in business operations due to restrictions caused by COVID-19, (ii) an explanation of changes in the financial performance of the business due to COVID-19 (e.g., describe how revenue has been impacted), and (iii) a description of any material defaults or notices from existing creditors
• Provide copies of SAVE and E-Verify affidavits
• List of other relief assistance sought by business, including rent relief, rent abatement or rent deferral by landlord

DISQUALIFIED BUSINESSES

• Companies that are publicly traded, partially owned by a hedge fund, or corporate-owned franchises are not eligible
• Home based businesses
• Individuals or organizations who hold real property for passive sale or investment with no active ties to a for- profit business activities at the location
• Businesses owned or operated by officials or employees of City of Dunwoody Government are not eligible grant recipients
• Companies with legal actions against or from the City of Dunwoody, including code enforcement liens are not eligible
• Owner, officer, partner or principal actor of the business involved with financial mismanagement. This includes: “Business Owner(s) with any conviction(s) for financial crimes within the last 3 years, with Business Owner(s) defined as: Managing Members and/or Officers.”
• Gambling institutions; Convenience Stores; Beer, Wine and Liquor Stores (package stores for off-premise consumption); Multi-level Marketing Organizations; Real Estate Investment Trusts; and Adult Entertainment Operations.
• Applicants in which any owner is presently involved in bankruptcy proceedings.