Benton County Commissioners have designated $3.5 million for the CARES Act Community Support Grant Program, providing local businesses grant assistance, with no repayment requirements.
These local business grants will be administered by the Tri-City Development Council (TRIDEC), and applications for grant funding will be open starting July 16, 2020 at 2:00 PM.
Benton County businesses and non-profits of all sizes are eligible to apply for funding to cover expenses incurred on or after March 27, 2020.
Benton County CARES Grant Application is Closed
Final lottery drawing will be held on Monday, October 5.
All recipients will be notified by Monday, October 12.
Grant Application is Closed
Grant Information:
Available Grant Amounts:
- Up to $15,000 – Businesses with less than 20 employees
- Up to $50,000 – Businesses with 20-99 employees
- Up to $100,000 – Businesses with 100+ employees
Grant Application Periods:
- Round 1: July 16-31
- Round 2: August 14-28
- Round 3: September 11-25
Approval Process:
- Grantees will be selected from a pool of eligible businesses using a random lottery system.
- Eligible businesses that were not selected will automatically move to the next round for possible selection.
- Grantees will receive notification upon selection.
- Prior to funds being delivered, grantees must sign an agreement with Benton County outlining the terms of funding.
Eligibility Requirements:
The business must:
- Be physically located in Benton County.
- Be owned by a US citizen or permanent resident alien.
- Have been in operation for one year or longer.
- Use the grant to maintain or create jobs.
- Be for profit or non-profit (501C3, 501C6 and 501C19 only).
- Submit a business license or IRS 501c Determination Letter.
- Have had to close or reduce capacity to operate based on the Governor’s orders surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Have lost revenue due to COVID-19.
Expenses:
Eligible Expenses:
These funds are only to be used for the following business operation costs incurred on or after March 27, 2020. In addition, the expense must be necessary; connected to; and would not exist without; the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Rent and Mortgage
- Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) Supplies
- Insurance
- Utility Bills
- Consulting Expenses
- Marketing Expenses
- Training
- Expenses incurred to accommodate business changes due to COVID-19
Ineligible Expenses:
- Payroll & Benefits
- Travel
- Bills for Taxes
- Federal or State Expenses
- Capital Expenses
- Land Acquisition
- Construction Cost
- Office Equipment
- Purchase/Lease of Equipment
- Software as a Service (SaaS)
- Alcohol
- Hosting Expenses
- Meals
- Lodging
- Transportation
- Lobbying or political influence
- Other costs not directly related to the operations of business
Frequently Asked Questions:
If I have a question regarding the application, who should I contact?
TRIDEC is administering the grants. Please email your questions regarding applications to BCCares@tridec.org and they will respond.
How many awards will be available?
It is anticipated that 1,500 or more applications will be received for this grant program. There are enough funds for approximately 180 to 200 grant awards.
When does the application close?
- To have an application considered for Round 1 funding, it must be submitted by 11:59 PM on Friday, July 31.
- Round 2 application period is open Friday, August 14 – Friday, August 28. Applications must be submitted by 11:59 PM on Friday, August 28 to be considered for Round 2 funding.
- Round 3 application period is open Friday, September 11 – Friday, September 25. Applications must be submitted by 11:59 PM on Friday, September 25 to be considered for Round 3 funding.
- The Benton County CARES Act Community Support Grant closes on Friday, September 25. This is the final deadline to apply for funding. There will be no additional funding rounds.