If I have questions or need help with the application, where do I call?
The Department of Community Development staff will answer any questions. Specific questions may be emailed to [email protected] and staff will respond to you.
Once an application is submitted, how long does the review process take, and who makes the decision?
Your application will be reviewed by the Dept. of Community Development staff for eligibility, use of funds, and benefit. Then it will be referred to members of the PERC Board and Finance Committee for review. We anticipate this could take 2-3 weeks.
What is the timeline to expend this funding?
The funds must be used within six months of the award date.
Do I have to pay this funding back?
The grant will require repayment only if the terms of grant agreement are not met. Terms of the grant include documentation of the product or service that was purchased with the funds and usage of the grant within a specific amount of time. Preferably within two to three months from the date of grant award.
Why am I expected to disclose my entire household income, as that does not relate to my business?
This is per federal regulations under HUD’s Community Development Block Grant Program and will help the City determine the best source of funds to use to help your business.
What documentation will I need to apply?
If the business owner, you will need to submit your business or personal tax returns for calendar years 2018 and 2019 as well as profit and loss statements for the business for 2018 and 2019. If your business files taxes, you will not need to provide proof of income, but will be required to answer questions about your income and sign a certification stating that all the information provided in the application and attachments is true.
Can the funds be used for services, equipment, machinery, inventory, supplies or materials that I have already purchased?
No, the funds can’t be used for any item or service that you have already purchased. The date of purchase(s) must AFTER your grant agreement date.
Do I need to supply proof of purchases?
Yes, you will need to supply receipts for any items or services purchased with the grant funds.
Will I be asked about my employees?
You will only be asked about detailed employee information if your income as the business owner or the income of your household is higher than shown on the table for low and moderate income households, and are submitting an application on the basis that at least 51% of your existing employees, employees to be rehired, or new employees to be hired are or will be low/moderate income. If you are provided funding from the federal CDBG program, you will be required to provide each employee’s name (or in another way agreed to by the City for identify each individual employee), annual income, and job title. You do not need to get your employees household incomes. 1099 employees do not need to be included.
