AUSTIN (Talk1370.com) -- Two new City of Austin grant programs are now open, aiming to support small businesses and non-profits in the wake of COVID-19.
The city's Economic Development Department will take applications beginning Tuesday for the two separate programs. The Austin Small Business Relief Grant will provide grants up to $40,000 out of a $16.5 million fund to local, small businesses in the Austin city limits, while the Austin Non-Profit Relief Grant will provide grants up to $20,000 out of a $6.35 million fund.
"Austin’s non-profit organizations and small, local businesses play a vital role building healthy and vibrant communities across our city," said Sylnovia Holt-Rabb, Acting Director for the city's Economic Development Department. "As directed by Austin City Council, these grants will help strengthen small, local businesses and organizations so they can continue to provide crucial services, retain employees, complete health and safety improvements, and remain open and operational."
Officials say the Better Business Bureau will collect, review, and score the grant applications on behalf of the city. The scoring matrix will include criteria for need, vulnerability, and equity. Half of the funds for each program will be allocated to applicants that score the highest according to that matrix, while the remaining funds will be awarded by random lottery among eligible applicants.
More information on the grant programs, including guidelines and eligibility requirements, is available online at www.ATXRecovers.com.
