Small Business Sustainment Grant Program - October 2020

Small Business Sustainment Grant

COVID-19 Small Business Sustainment Grant Application

At the October 6, 2020 Lafayette City Council meeting, Council directed staff to issue a second round of COVID-19 small business grants similar to the grant program administered by the City in April 2020.

 The purpose of this program is to provide some financial support for small businesses experiencing financial hardship directly related to the COVID-19 public health emergency. 

Funds are intended to assist businesses with immediate expenses or revenue shortfalls related to the COVID-19 pandemic, including assistance with business rent or mortgage, utilities, payroll, or other essential operating costs.  Funding may also be used to cover the costs of “winterizing” a business, such as heaters or other equipment needed to operate outdoors in the winter to comply with COVID-19 restrictions.

Grants are intended to provide short-term financial relief while businesses pursue other relief options.  Grant funding must be one component of a larger strategy for a business’s recovery and sustainment from the impact of the COVID-19 public health emergency and is not intended to be a business’s sole source of aid. Grants cannot be requested to cover costs that have been covered by other grant or assistance programs (such as the Paycheck Protection Program, SBA, etc.).

Grant awards will be determined at the discretion of the City based on the responses provided in this application.  Funds are limited and applying is not a guarantee of a grant award.  The City may terminate the program at any time, for any reason.  Any grant funds awarded must be applied to an expense incurred by the business before December 30, 2020. 

Home-based businesses are eligible for up to $5,000 in assistance.  Sole proprietorships and other businesses employing up to fifty (50) employees that operate in a physical location other than the home of the business owner are eligible for up to $10,000 in assistance.

How to Apply

The Lafayette Small Business COVID-19 Sustainment Grant Program will close on Sunday, October 25, 2020, at 11pm. The online form will be available starting Thursday, October 22 at 8am.

1. Submit the online application no later than Sunday, October 25, 2020 at 11pm.

2. Provide all required supporting documents by email to: SustainmentBusinessGrants@lafayetteco.gov 

3. Include only the following information in your email subject line: Name of business – Name of Document(s) attached.

Example: City of Lafayette – W-9 / Tax Return

Questions? Contact the online grant support.

¿Tiene usted preguntas? Contacte apoyos económicos en línea.

Program Eligibility & Requirements

1.    Your business must operate from a physical location within the boundaries of the City of Lafayette.  

2.    As of February 1, 2020, and through the present, your business must have employed no more than fifty (50) employees total at your Lafayette location(s).

3.    Your business must be in good standing with the Colorado Secretary of State and the City of Lafayette.

4.    You must submit a complete application by the application deadline, containing the following:

  • If requesting reimbursement for a business expense directly related to COVID-19 and already paid, provide invoices or statements, and proof of payment;
  • If requesting funds for a present or future business expense directly related to COVID-19, provide invoices or estimates for such expense(s), if available; 
  • A W-9; and
  • If your business is a home-based business or sole proprietorship, your 2019 tax return with Schedule C.

Your complete application and all required supporting documentation and requested materials must be received no later than Sunday, October 25, 2020, at 11pm.  Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.

Successful applicants are required to agree to the following terms as a condition of accepting a grant payment from the City:

  1. RESTRICTIONS ON USE. Grantee agrees to use the grant proceeds for legitimate expenses of Grantee’s business directly related to the impacts of the COVID-19 public health emergency on Grantee’s business, including, but not limited to: business rent, payroll, inventory, or other monthly expenses related to the business that complies with all federal, state, and local laws. If Grantee has more than one location, the grant proceeds must be applied solely to business expenses directly associated with Grantee’s location within the City of Lafayette. In connection with the use of the grant proceeds, Grantee agrees not to discriminate against any person solely because of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, age, military status, sexual orientation, marital status, or physical or mental disability. 
  1. ASSIGNMENT BY GRANTEE PROHIBITED. The grant proceeds may not be assigned by Grantee to any other entity or individual. The City shall not be obligated to distribute grant funds to any entity or individual claiming entitlement to grant funds as a result of such an assignment. 
  1. FOLLOW-UP SURVEY. Grantee agrees to participate and respond to a follow-up survey regarding the use and impact of the grant proceeds on Grantee’s business at 60, 90, and 120 days following grant award. 
  1. AUDIT. Grantee agrees that the City has the right to perform an audit at any time to determine compliance with the terms and conditions herein.  Grantee also agrees to maintain all books and records relating to the expenditure of grant funds for a period of three (3) years.
  1. TAX IMPLICATIONS. Grantee agrees it is responsible for any tax liability that may result from accepting this grant award, and Grantee holds the City harmless from any such liability. Grantee is responsible for seeking the advice of its accountant or tax advisor to determine the tax consequences of accepting this grant award.
  1. DISCLOSURE OF INFORMATION. As set forth in the grant application, information submitted with Grantee’s application is a public record and is subject to disclosure under the Colorado Open Records Act (CORA). Records relating to the amount distributed to Grantee will also be released in accordance with the CORA. 
  1. MISREPRESENTATION OR MISUSE. Grantee understands and agrees that the following are grounds for immediate payback in full of all grant proceeds awarded to Grantee: (1) any misrepresentation or omission made as part of or in connection with Grantee’s application for this grant; and (2) any misuse of grant proceeds, or any portion thereof, that violates of the terms and conditions of this award letter or the grant application. Grantee agrees to pay all of the City’s direct costs, expenses, and attorney fees reasonably incurred by the City in connection with enforcing the terms of this grant. 
  1. DEADLINE TO SPEND FUNDS. Grantee agrees to spend all grant proceeds in accordance with these terms no later than December 30, 2020. Any grant proceeds not spent by December 30, 2020, must be returned to the City of Lafayette no later than January 6, 2021. Failure to use or return grant proceeds in accordance with this paragraph will be considered a misuse of grant proceeds under paragraph G above.