Grants of up to $10,000 to New York City small businesses to mitigate the impacts of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Funding is intended to help promote business continuity. Preference will be given to businesses owned by people of color, women, and immigrants. Eligible applicants are those that give back to the community they serve.
The impact of the pandemic on the small business community is not only severe, but long-reaching. Businesses are currently faced with inflated rent, fractured supply chains, and cost of business increases.
Grant Goal: To award grants to fill gaps in funding by prioritizing businesses owned by people of color, immigrants, and women. While small businesses have kept their doors open, there is a significant need for assistance to fund business continuity. This period of recovery is a pivotal point to keep going. CitizensNYC understands that businesses are essential in the fabric of communities. CitizensNYC looks for businesses that frame the way they give back to the community they serve. For example, is the business providing hiring opportunities for community members? Does the business donate food to local community? Proposals that focus on both physical and human infrastructure will be prioritized (technical system upgrades, location alterations, hiring support, marketing, training, PPE, etc.). CitizensNYC makes grants to barber shops, restaurants, food carts, vegetable stands, eCommerce and other neighborhood businesses. Unlike many financial opportunities currently available to businesses, this program will provide grants rather than loans.
CitizensNYC does not dictate how the grant is used; however, it encourages usage for items such as technology upgrades, safety build out to protect employees and customers and marketing to drive traffic to your business.
