Small businesses, nonprofits may apply for city relief grants

Two city grant programs created to offer an economic lifeline during the Covid-19 pandemic are now accepting applications from small businesses and local nonprofit organizations. The Austin Small Business Relief Grant is a $16.5 million fund providing grants of up to $40,000 to small businesses within the Austin city limits. The Austin Non-Profit Relief Grant is a $6.35 million fund providing grants up to $20,000 to Austin nonprofits. Applications may be submitted online between Tuesday, July 7, at 10 a.m and Friday, July 24, at 5 p.m. The Better Business Bureau will be reviewing and scoring the applications on behalf of the Economic Development Department. Businesses and nonprofits must be able to demonstrate an economic loss associated with the pandemic. Sylnovia Holt-Rabb, acting director for the Economic Development Department, said in a news release, “Austin’s nonprofit organizations and small, local businesses play a vital role building healthy and vibrant communities across our city. As directed by Austin City Council, these grants will help strengthen small, local businesses and organizations so they can continue to provide crucial services, retain employees, complete health and safety improvements, and remain open and operational.” Find out more about eligibility requirements at ATXRecovers.com.