Is your business struggling because of COVID-19? Fort Worth has more grants available
Fort Worth opened another round of grants for small businesses hurt by the coronavirus slowdown — nearly $9 million is available for qualified companies and it won’t have to be paid back.
The city’s Preserve the Fort program has $8.8 million to dole out to small businesses and nonprofits having a hard time making payroll, paying leases or meeting other expenses because of coronavirus. Applications for the grants opened Tuesday afternoon through FortWorthTexas.gov/preserve-the-fort. Business owners and nonprofit administrators can apply through Oct. 2. More information can be found by calling 682-215-6231 .
A small business will be eligible for up to 1.5 times its gross average monthly revenue, capped at $100,000. Bars and music venues can receive up to three times the lost average monthly revenue . The city expanded criteria to businesses with up to 500 employees, in addition to self-employed individuals. A priority is being given to bars and restaurants that were forced to close. Owners must demonstrate a financial impact since the March 13 coronavirus declaration.
Nonprofits can receive grants that cover up to 75% of expenses related to reopening amid the pandemic. The grant can cover the cost for personal protective equipment, plexiglass barriers, sanitizer stands and other supplies.
Performing arts nonprofits will be eligible for a grant of up to 1.5 times their gross average monthly revenue before the March 13 COVID-19 disaster declaration. These grants are capped capped at $100,000.
In April the city set aside $15 million from the federal CARES Act stimulus for small business assistance grants. About $6.2 million has gone to 882 businesses.
It is unclear how the city will use another pot of about $9 million remaining after the council cut a plan for permanent supportive housing. The City Council had voiced support of using the money to help businesses.
This story was originally published September 9, 2020 at 6:00 AM.
CORRECTION: This story has been updated to correct the phone number for Preserve the Fort small business assistance.
