The HartBeat of MainStreet Grant Program $5,000 to $15,000 Small Business Grant Opportunity

Opens October 22 – Final Proposals due October 29

Main Street America has partnered with The Hartford to create a grant program to support brick-and-mortar businesses in commercial districts as they enter the next phases of reopening across the country. The HartBeat of Main Street Grant Program will fund solutions that help small business owners respond and adapt to the COVID-19 pandemic and help to revitalize and strengthen older and historic downtown commercial districts. Grants of $5,000 to $15,000 will be awarded on a competitive and first-come, first-served basis. A minimum of 50 percent of grants will benefit diverse-owned businesses, as defined by the Small Business Administration as a minority, woman, veteran, disabled, and/or LGBTQ-owned.

What types of businesses are eligible?

· The business must be in good standing in the state in which it was formed and the state in which it does business.

· The applicant’s business has a “brick-and-mortar” location and operates in an older or historic main street, downtown or commercial district in the U.S.

· The applicant’s business employs 20 or fewer full-time employees, including the owner.

· The applicant’s business has been in operation since January 1, 2019.

· The applicant is an owner of the business and is 18 years of age or older.

What types of grant expenses are eligible?

Eligible grant expenses include but are not limited to:

· Physical improvements to business space to meet relevant reopening requirements implemented because of COVID-19

· Equipment to comply with public health and safety guidelines (i.e., touchless payment methods, automatic door open sensors, or disposable menus)

· Fees associated with expanding the business to e-commerce sales

· Other professional services, such as business plan modifications

· Rent, payroll, and other operating expenses

Main Street Fairmont is here to help. Please contact us at info@mainstreetfairmont.com for further information or to receive a copy of the Request for Proposal when it becomes available on October 22.