As part of its COVID-19 emergency response and recovery strategy, Adams County, through its Community & Economic Development Department, established the Small Business Stabilization Program in May to provide local businesses with grants up to $35,000 to retain jobs during the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

The grants for the Small Business Stabilization Program are paid for by the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program and Community Development Block Grant Coronavirus funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

 

“As we continue to grapple with COVID-19, we wanted to expand the pool of businesses eligible for these grants,” said Commissioner Mary Hodge, champion of the Business Support Response & Recovery Team. “While we’ve made great strides since we initially offered these grants in May, there is still a financial need on behalf of both small businesses and their employees as we continue to recover from this crisis.”

 

The grant program has been expanded to allow businesses with up to 50 full-time employees, up from 25, and small businesses in Westminster to apply.

 

Local businesses can now apply for the small business grant, and applications will be open until all funds are distributed. Applicants may call 720.523.6200 or email CommDev@adcogov.org for more information.

 

Businesses must meet the following criteria:

 

  • The business must have 1-50 full-time employees (FTEs) and been operating as of Feb. 12, 2019.
  • The business must have a physical establishment and address within unincorporated Adams County; the cities of Northglenn, Brighton, Westminster, or Federal Heights; or the Town of Bennett.
  • Businesses with more than one physical location may apply for the grant program for one location only.
  • The business must have experienced a loss of revenue due to Public Health Orders enacted for COVID-19.
  • The business owner must demonstrate how the grant will retain jobs – at least one full-time equivalent job (1,750 hours annually) or two permanent part-time jobs (at least 875 hours each annually) for individuals whose households earn 80% of the Area Median Income or less, as specified on the Small Business Stabilization Program website.
  • Applicants must be able to demonstrate they were unable to obtain federal Small Business Administration assistance or did not receive enough assistance.
  • Awards will be made on a first-come, first-served basis and in proportion to the contribution made from the contributing jurisdiction.
  • The award amount will be determined based on the demonstrated need, up to $35,000.

 

The Board of County Commissioners voted to amend the 2019 Annual Action Plan to establish the Small Business Stabilization Program at public hearing on Tuesday, April 21.

 

###

 

About Adams County Response & Recovery Efforts

As part of a COVID-19 emergency management response and recovery strategy, Adams County created seven Response & Recovery Teams and launched a new website dedicated to providing key resources to support residents and businesses. Response & Recovery focus areas include aging adult services, business support, childcare, food security and basic essentials, housing, support for the unemployed and future workforce, and uninsured and healthcare access.

 

About Adams County

With rich traditions and history, Adams County offers the best of suburban and rural life – vibrant cities, quiet towns, and miles of recreation. Located in the Denver metro area, Adams County is the state’s 5th largest county serving a population of over 500,000 residents. Adams County is home to the cities of Brighton, Commerce City, Federal Heights, Northglenn, and Thornton; portions of Arvada, Aurora, and Westminster: the town of Bennett; and a portion of the town of Lochbuie. Unincorporated communities include Henderson, Strasburg, and Watkins. Stay up to date on the latest county news and information on adcogov.org, Facebook, Twitter, Nextdoor, and Instagram.