Small Businesses, artists, artisans, creative workers, and nonprofits (as individual businesses) can apply for grants up to $50,000 (based on documented loss)*

*Note: grant request cannot go over the amount of actual loss due to the COVID-19 pandemic and related shutdowns (as documented on your business/personal tax returns, profit/loss statements, etc.). Businesses cannot use estimated revenue (projections) as loss.

• A minimum grant request amount may be set in the future.  Please refer to website for updates as they become available.
• This is a competitive process, not all businesses will receive funding.  
• Not all businesses approved for funding will receive the maximum amount requested. If awarded, grant amounts will be based on the documented financial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic or related shutdowns on the business.

• Business physically located and licensed to do business in the municipal boundaries of Salt Lake City.  
• Business in operation by January 1, 2020.  Home-based businesses must show business-related income back to this date.
• Business has less than 50 full-time employees.
• Business can show it was negatively impacted (with decreased revenue, loss in gross receipts or increased costs) by the COVID-19 Pandemic or the related shutdowns.
• Business is not facing any pending litigation or legal action.
• Business is not suspended or restricted from the use of federal funds.
• Business is not a franchise that is a subsidiary of a larger corporation or dominant in its field of operation.
• Business is not a multinational or publicly traded business.
• Business is not a chain (unless most locations are in the municipal boundaries of Salt Lake City).
• Business is not owned by a City employee, elected, or appointed official.

With exceptions for the following:

• For home-based businesses, artists, and creative workers, a business license is not required.
• Eligible individual artists and creative workers must reside in the municipal boundaries of Salt Lake City and must have been a professional artist or creative worker before January 1, 2020.
• A home-based business is eligible to apply but must reside in the municipal boundaries of Salt Lake City.
• Mobile food vendors are eligible to apply if the business owner resides in the municipal boundaries of Salt Lake City OR the business uses a commissary kitchen located in the municipal boundaries of Salt Lake City.
• Nonprofit organizations are eligible to apply as a small business themselves if they were negatively impacted by COVID-19 and related shutdowns.
• Businesses that received funds from other local, state, or federal COVID-19 relief programs (PPP, EIDL, etc.) are eligible to apply to this program; however, businesses with no prior funding from other COVID-19 relief programs will receive weighted scoring during the evaluation process.
• Applicants who unsuccessfully applied in Phase 1 (Sep 2022) are eligible to apply in Phase 2 but will be required to schedule a technical assistance appointment with staff before re-applying.

For individual artists and creative workers, what are the disciplines that are eligible for grant funding?

Eligible disciplines for individual artists and creative workers include: Dance, Design Arts, Literature, Multidisciplinary Arts & New Media, Film, Music, Performance Art, Theater, Visual Arts and Folk or Traditional art forms in any of the above genres.

Disproportionately Impacted Businesses and Industries

Applicants who can show they are a “disproportionately impacted” business or are part of an “impacted” industry can use grant funding in additional ways to help their business (refer to the Eligible Uses of Grant Funding section below). See the following definitions to see if your business qualifies:

Disproportionately Impacted Businesses

• Small businesses operating in Qualified Census Tracts (QCTs)

Go to this QCT map and enter your business address to see if you are in a QCT. Be patient, as the map might take several moments to load.

• 100% female-owned business (all owners are female)
• 100% minority-owned business (all owners are either black, indigenous or a person of color)
• Arts & Culture business (all owners are artists, musicians or artisans)

Impacted Industries

• Businesses in the travel, tourism, or hospitality sectors are defined as “impacted” (restaurant, bar, entertainment, hotel, event planning, tourism or travel)
• Small businesses located in the Downtown Corridor (between North Temple and 400 South, and between 200 East and I-15)

• Wages (payroll or benefits) must be proven with tax documents
• Costs to retain employees (bonuses & retention pay have additional requirements)
• Mortgage, rent, or utilities costs for a brick-and-mortar business location
• COVID-19 prevention procedures (enhanced cleaning, barriers/dividers, COVID-19 vaccinations/testing)
• One-on-one business counseling, or other business planning services
• Other documented operating costs

Eligible Uses ONLY for “disproportionately impacted” businesses

• Business Incubator                                 
• Start-up or expansion costs   
• Childcare support                                           
• Transportation support (to and from job site or interview)
• Capital investments; in order for capital investments to be considered, the business would need to:
  • Provide a description of harm and why the harm was worsened or caused by COVID-19.
  • Provide an explanation of why a capital expense can address a specific need.
  • Comparison of the proposed capital expense against alternative capital expenses. Recipients should   provide a comparison of the proposed capital expense against at least two alternative capital expenses and show why their proposed capital expense is superior to alternatives.

Eligible Uses ONLY for businesses in the travel, tourism, and hospitality sector

• Maintenance of existing equipment and facilities

Ineligible/Prohibited Uses of Grant Funding (including but not limited to)

•  Deposits into pension funds
•  Debt servicing
•  Replenishing financial reserves (stabilization or “rainy day” funds)
•  Satisfying obligations from a judicial settlement or judgment
•  Paying off non-business debt, such as personal credit cards for non-business purchases
•  Personal expenses, such as buying a new family car or making repairs to a home
•  Direct financing to political activities or paying off taxes and fines
•  Purchase of personal items, drugs, tobacco, and/or alcohol
•  Food, entertainment, and/or bonuses
•  Travel not associated with direct business operations
•  Costs incurred prior to March 3, 2021

• Three Full Business Income Tax Returns (your 2019 return, and two other tax years from 2020-2022); these should demonstrate evidence of revenue reduction due to COVID-19 and related shutdowns. If a business files 990-EZ returns, an alternate financial document showing negative impact from COVID-19 pandemic or related shutdowns can be provided.
  • Your tax returns MUST show documented loss (of income, revenue, or profit) from the COVID-19 pandemic or related shutdowns.
  • If you are a sole owner/proprietor, please submit three schedule C’s (one of which must be 2019).
• A signed copy of your IRS W-9        
• A current copy of your Salt Lake City Business License*
  • *if you are a home-based business or artist, a business license is not required
  • If you need a new copy of your business license, contact the SLC Business Licensing    Division at (801) 535-6644 or business.license@slcgov.com 
• Valid Form of ID: such as a Driver’s License, Passport or Passport Card, Birth Certificate, State-issued, Student or Military Identification Card; this requirement is intended to prevent fraud.
• Copies of other Federal, State or local COVID-19 financial assistance received (PPP, EIDL, etc.); only required if additional funding is received; information about the dollar amount and use of the funds received.  Any business receiving grant funds will be required to provide these documents.
  
  
  The following documents are only required if you are requesting funding for wages, benefits, or payroll reimbursement:
• Three annual Form 941s (your 2019 form, and two other tax years from 2020-2022) – Payroll Taxes
• Three annual Form 33Hs (your 2019 form, and two other tax years from 2020-2022) – Employer Quarterly Wage List and Contributions Report

Grant funding may only be used for costs incurred after March 3, 2021. All funds must be spent by December 31, 2024, with receipts provided no later than December 31, 2026.

• The Phase 2 application portal of the SLC Community Grant Program will open for a 30-day window from March 20^th to April 18^th, 2023. Applications received online or in-person after the deadline will be considered late and will not be accepted. 
  
• Training/Q&A Session (Hybrid)
  • Wednesday, March 15^th, 5:00-6:30 pm
  • In-Person: City County Building, Room 126
  • Virtual: https://saltlakecity.webex.com/saltlakecity/j.php?MTID=mce7a2250ab375323c0c6b05109a1dc94  
  • Attendees can ask questions about eligibility, required documents, completing the application, and approved/unapproved uses of funding
  • FREE to attend
    
• Westside Training/Q&A Session
  • Wednesday, March 22^nd, 5:00-6:30 pm
  • Black Box Room, Sorenson Unity Center, 1383 S 900 W, SLC UT 84104
  • Attendees can ask questions about eligibility, required documents, completing the application, and approved/unapproved uses of funding
  • FREE to attend

Grant Fund Dispersal

• Funds will be disbursed primarily by reimbursement to the applicant for documented eligible project expenses. Receipts must be provided by applicant for all eligible expenses, prior to being reimbursed.   Applicants may be qualified for funds for more than one fiscal year in which case, receipts are required to be submitted between July 1 and June 30 of each fiscal year where reimbursement is requested.
• In general, the reimbursement model of payment will be used, however if a business is unable to pay for an eligible expense without the use of grant funds an exception may be requested for advance payment on a limited basis.  Anytime advance payment is made, a receipt must be provided within 45 days of receipt of funds.  ARPA Project Manager will reach out to grantee to follow up and collect on receipts before any additional grant funds can be provided to grantee.

Grant Recipient Requirements

If your business is selected for grant funding, you must complete the following requirements before funds will be awarded:

1. Business must receive a Unique Entity ID (UEI) for their business by creating an account on SAM.gov. The information required for getting a Unique Entity ID (UEI) is minimal. It only validates your       organization’s legal business name and address.
   • For a step-by-step guide on how to create a SAM.gov account and receive a Unique Entity ID (UEI), watch this video or read this guide.
   • If your business is already registered as an entity on SAM.gov, you already have a Unique       Entity ID (UEI). It’s viewable on your entity registration record on SAM.gov.
2. Business must sign an Agreement with the City where they agree to terms, conditions, and         requirements of Program. Any business found in violation of the Agreement will be required to repay grant funds.

Expenditure and Reporting Requirements

Grantees will also be required to submit invoices and/or receipts showing the funds were deployed for an eligible use tied to their recovery narrative and proposed recovery budget.  DED will work with Finance to ensure that these budgets are approved at the time of award.

My business already received funds from the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL), or a similar COVID-19 relief program. Can I apply for this grant?

Yes. However, businesses that have not received any prior funding from COVID-19 relief programs will receive weighted scoring during the evaluation process.

Is U.S. citizenship required to apply?

No.

Does immigration status affect eligibility to apply?

No.

My business is home-based or a mobile vendor (i.e. food truck). Can I apply for this grant?

Yes. Businesses, artists, or creative workers that are home-based are encouraged to apply, as long as they reside in the municipal boundaries of Salt Lake City. Mobile vendors (i.e. food trucks) are also encouraged to apply, as long as the business owner resides in the municipal boundaries of Salt Lake City OR the business uses a commissary kitchen located in the municipal boundaries of Salt Lake City.

I started my business after January 2020. Can I apply for this grant?

Businesses need to have been in operation by January 1, 2020. The only exception is if a business is categorized as “disproportionately impacted” (see the ‘Who is Eligible to Apply’ section) and is requesting grant funding for start-up costs.

Can nonprofits apply for this grant?

Yes, nonprofit organizations are eligible to apply as a small business themselves if they were negatively impacted by COVID-19 and related shutdowns.

For individual artists and creative workers, what are the disciplines that are eligible for grant funding?

Eligible disciplines for individual artists and creative workers include: Dance, Design Arts, Literature, Multidisciplinary Arts & New Media, Film, Music, Performance Art, Theater, Visual Arts and Folk or Traditional art forms in any of the above genres.

I own a business with multiple locations in Salt Lake City. Can I apply for the grant more than once?

 Only one grant per business Employer Identification Number (EIN) will be awarded.

I do not live in Salt Lake City, but my principal business is located in Salt Lake City. Can I apply for this grant?

Yes. If your business is principally located in Salt Lake City, you do not need to be a resident to apply for this grant.

What is the maximum grant amount my business can apply for?

• Small Businesses, artists, artisans, creative workers, and nonprofits (as individual businesses) can apply for grants up to $50,000 (based on documented loss)
• A minimum grant request amount may be set in the future. Please refer to website for updates as they become available.
• *Note: grant request amounts cannot go over the amount of actual documented loss due to the COVID-19 pandemic and related shutdowns (as seen on tax returns, profit/loss statements, etc.). Businesses cannot count estimated revenue (projections) towards loss.

How long will I have to apply once the application portal opens?

Once the application portal opens, you will have 30 days to send in a completed application.

Are there translation/interpretation services for other languages available?

If applicants need assistance in languages other than English, our staff can work with the SLC Mayor’s Office of Equity & Inclusion to coordinate translation & interpretation services.

How do I send in my completed application?

Send your completed application (along with required business documents) in by one of the following options:

• Online: Applicants can visit www.slc.gov/ed/communitygrantsprogram/ to complete an online application.

• Mail: SLC Economic Development, PO Box 145590, SLC, UT 84114-5590

• Drop-off: 451 South State Street, Room 128, SLC, UT 84114

• E-Mail:  todd.andersen@slcgov.com

Will I be able to edit my submission after applying if I have made an error?

No. However, if you need to correct an error, please get in touch with City staff and our team can work with you to correct information on your application.

I applied in Phase 1 but was not successful. Can I apply in Phase 2?

Yes, but you will be required to schedule a technical assistance appointment with City staff before you can apply for Phase 2.

Is this grant program first come, first served?

The grant program will not be first come, first served.  Applications will be reviewed by City staff for compliance with Program requirements. The City may seek additional information if there are gaps in the information provided or if there are questions about your application. Applications will then be scored and reviewed in public meetings by the Community Recovery Committee (CRC). Applications with a higher score will have a better chance of being recommended for funding.

How will I be notified if I am awarded a grant?

You will receive an email from City staff notifying you if you have been awarded a grant and included in the email will be next steps for your business.

How long will it take for a successful applicant to receive an award?

Once your business completes several requirements outlined in the award email, the City will seek create a budget for each approved applicant to request funds.  Funds can either be requested after agreement has been signed with appropriate receipts or can be requested at a future date after a planned expense has been paid. If your business does not receive funding 2 weeks after appropriate documentation has been submitted please contact City staff for assistance.

Does anything need to be repaid?

No, these grants do not need to be repaid.

Is this grant taxable income?

These grants are funded with Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF) through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and are generally excluded from the recipient’s gross taxable income. Grant recipients are advised to consult an accountant or tax advisor for any further questions regarding tax obligation for this grant.

Who can I contact for help?

If you have questions about the Program guidelines, the application, or application status once submitted, please contact:

Todd Andersen, SLC ARPA Program Coordinator
todd.andersen@slcgov.com
(385) 258-4582