Highlandtown COVID Business Relief Fund (CBR)

**Para ver esta información en español, haga clic aquí.**

THE APPLICATION PERIOD IS NOW CLOSED.

PROGRAM GUIDELINES & APPLICATION

COVID BUSINESS RELIEF FUND DESCRIPTION

The Highlandtown COVID Business Relief Fund (CBR) provides grants between $3,000-$6,000 to business owners in the Highlandtown Main Street district (HMS) to support business operational costs and implementation of safety measures due to COVID. CBR is administered by the Southeast CDC.

The application process is competitive and decisions are based on the financial need of the applicant. Applicants must provide all requested materials for review. Applications are reviewed and approved by committee. 

ELIGIBILITY

The Highlandtown COVID Business Relief Fund provides relief to businesses impacted by COVID. Impacts could include, but are not limited to: 

• Making rent or mortgage payments.
• Maintaining payroll and/or retaining employees during business disruptions or substantial shutdowns OR providing paid sick leave to employees unable to work due to the direct effect of the coronavirus.
• Purchasing PPE or spending on safety measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19.
• Increased cost for business materials due to interrupted supply chains.
• Paying outstanding bills that cannot be met due to revenue losses from COVID-19
  (examples: business loans, utilities, internet, other).
  

FUND DETAILS

• One-time grant award of $3,000 – $6,000 with no repayment due
• Limited to one award per business entity
• Must have a physical establishment in the Highlandtown Main Street District (see map)
• Must be a registered business entity in good standing with the State of Maryland 
• Must demonstrate financial impact to business due to COVID
• The following entities are NOT eligible:
  Home-based businesses
  Churches
  Non-profit organizations
  Banks & financial institutions
  Investment real-estate entities
  Food trucks
  National franchises
  Government agencies
  Contractors/construction

APPLICATION PROCESS AND SUBMITTAL REQUIREMENTS

1. Application

Applications will be due Wednesday, April 14, 2021, at 5pm. You can submit your application electronically via www.ihearthighlandtown.com OR drop off a paper copy in the mailbox outside the Southeast CDC office at 3323 Eastern Ave, Suite 200 (black mailbox located on Highland Ave side of building).

The following documents must be submitted with this application:

• Proof of good standing with the State of MD is required
  Print screen shot from the website: https://egov.maryland.gov/BusinessExpress/EntitySearch
• Completed application (2 pages)
• 2019 Tax Returns
• 2019 Sales Reports or Profit/Loss Statement (by quarter)
• 2020 Sales Reports or Profit/Loss Statement (by quarter)
• Complete W-9
  For a blank form visit: https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/fw9.pdf

Other items may be requested throughout the application process and before grants are awarded. Submission of an Application is not a guarantee of funding.

2. Application Review & Selection

This is a competitive grant process and applications will be reviewed and approved by a review committee. Awards will be based on need and impact by COVID. Applicants will be notified by the Highlandtown Main Street Manager in April/May 2021.

3. Project Schedule/Payments

Once awarded, a DocuSign agreement will be emailed to each awardee to sign.
Once signed, a check will be sent to the business.
Applicants may receive a follow up survey to report how they spent their funding.

APPLICATION ARE DUE WEDNESDAY, APRIL 14,  2021 at 5 PM
Applications can be submitted electronically at www.ihearthighlandtown.com
or a paper copy may be delivered to:
ATTN: Highlandtown Main Street
Southeast CDC, 3323 Eastern Avenue, Suite 200, Baltimore, MD 21224
**BLACK MAILBOX IS ON HIGHLAND AVE SIDE OF BUILDING**

TO APPLY
Link to application: CLICK HERE
Link to full guidelines, map and paper application: CLICK HERE