CDBG Small Business Expansion and Re-Opening Grant Program

Background 

In response to the economic hardships experienced by small businesses resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, the City of Burlington is launching a CDBG funded Small Business Expansion and Re-opening Grant Program, in an effort to help closed businesses re-open, and to help businesses expand to create and retain jobs. The primary objective of this program is to assist low- and moderate-income small business owners (under 80% average median income) with grants between $5,000-$15,000, with up to $80,000 available in total for all grant funds. Preference will be given to BIPOC-owned and women-owned businesses in the NRSA. 

Recipient Requirements:

• Business must be for-profit and have a physical business address in the City of Burlington, Vermont.
• Preference will be given to businesses within the Neighborhood Revitalization Strategy Area of Burlington -  VIEW MAP HERE
• Employ 10 or fewer employees 
• Have a household income of 80% area median income or less, or creating and retaining jobs for employees with household income under 80% area median income - VIEW HERE
• The business is currently closed and is actively working on re-opening, OR, working to expand physical space or seating

Grant Size and Restrictions 

Grants provided to selected businesses will be between $5,000 to $15,000. Awarded grants MUST be used for the following:

• Business rent
• Payroll
• Increasing business footprint, retrofitting a physical location, building a parklet (find more information here), or expanding outdoor seating (This does NOT include purchase of a mobile food unit)
• Working capital

Process

Applications will be reviewed and scored on a rolling basis until all funds are depleted. Preference will be given to businesses that apply before June 11th, 2021. 

• Make sure your business qualifies under the conditions outlined in the Recipient Requirements section above. Please review the grant guidelines below. 
• Interested applicants can apply using the application form.
• We will review your application and follow up with questions as needed.
• Selected applicants will need to provide further materials in order to receive the grant:
  • Small Business Grant Application
  • DUNS number
  • Completed W-9
  • 2020 tax return for businesses located outside of the NRSA. 
  • Duplication of benefits form 
  • Signed grant agreement
• Once this information is provided, we will decide on the amount of the grant awarded based on funds available and need for a specific project.

Ready to Apply?