Community Revitalization Fund - Grant Details and Eligibility Criteria
The Community Revitalization Fund provides grants to eligible small businesses in the Northampton area as they recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. The grant awards are up to $5,000 for qualifying businesses, while funds last. Applications are being reviewed in phases, and awards will also be disbursed in phases or until funds are depleted. The deadline for Round III was on September 30, 2020, and the third round of awards will be made by mid-October.
Eligibility criteria for the Community Revitalization Fund have changed. We have broadened the requirements in order to create greater opportunities for businesses to become eligible for these microgrants. So please read the below criteria carefully to see if your business is now eligible to apply for a grant from the Community Revitalization Fund.
Eligibility Criteria
- Business must be a privately-owned, for-profit entity, including farms that operate a retail store or farm stand.
- Business must have a store front or physical location.
- Business must be located in Northampton, including Florence, Leeds, and Baystate Village.
- Active business members of the Greater Northampton Chamber of Commerce (GNCC) that are located in the surrounding Northampton area or neighboring cities and towns are also eligible.
- Retail, hospitality, personal care businesses (spas, salons, etc.) must be located in downtown areas.
- Businesses with demonstrated harm by the COVID-19 pandemic will be given priority.
- Business must have existed prior to January 1, 2020.
- Applicant must demonstrate that business will likely be sustainable through the pandemic.
- Business must have 100 or fewer full-time equivalent employees.
- Business must have annual revenue under $10,000,000.
- Revenue as of June 30, 2020, must be down by 25% or more due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Not Eligible
- Farms without a retail location or other consumer-facing outlet
- Non-profit organizations
Required Documentation
- Completed application
- 2019 Profit and Loss Statement (or one for your most recent fiscal year)
- Statement of 2020 monthly revenue
- Additional information that may be requested by the Grants Review Committee
Use of Grant Funds
- Funds may be used for any business expense except payroll, payroll-related taxes, and capital project expenses. Examples of allowable expenses: rent/mortgage, inventory, materials and supplies, Personal Protection Equipment (PPE), business equipment, professional services (e.g. accounting, technology, legal, consulting, etc.).
Online Application
Please complete the online application and upload required documents using the form linked below.
Applications will be reviewed in phases, and awards will also be disbursed in phases or until funds are depleted. The deadline for Round III was on September 30, 2020, and the third round of awards will be made by mid-October or sooner.