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.
