The Metropolis of Lengthy Seaside is now accepting functions for its Visible Enchancment Program (VIP) Grant, a monetary help initiative providing as much as $1,500 to small companies and nonprofits impacted by crime or vandalism occurring on or after October 1, 2022. The grant goals to assist cowl the price of storefront repairs, boarding, insurance coverage deductibles, and working bills.
Purposes are open on a rolling foundation and can stay accessible till all funding is exhausted. Awards can be issued as funds grow to be accessible, and candidates can be notified if further info is required through the assessment course of.
The Metropolis states {that a} minimal of fifty% of grant awards can be reserved for companies owned by an individual of coloration or positioned in low- to moderate-income areas. Outreach efforts are centered in these areas to make sure equitable distribution of funding in alignment with the Lengthy Seaside Restoration Act.
Eligible companies could submit one software per distinctive incident of vandalism and will obtain as much as $1,500 for every incidence. Nonetheless, just one award could also be issued per enterprise in a six-month interval.
To qualify, companies should be working inside the Lengthy Seaside metropolis limits and have a sound Metropolis of Lengthy Seaside enterprise license. The enterprise should be a non-public for-profit or a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, at the moment open or briefly closed as a consequence of property injury. Candidates should present proof of vandalism and different required documentation, together with a photograph ID, W-9, and enterprise license.
Further eligibility necessities embody:
- Independently owned and never publicly traded
- Fewer than 200 staff
- Lower than $2 million in annual gross income
- Lively standing with the California Secretary of State (aside from sole proprietors)
- A bodily storefront in Lengthy Seaside
- Legitimate EIN, FEIN, or SSN
Residence-based companies, completely closed companies, and those who have already obtained related grant funding for a similar incident should not eligible. Different ineligible candidates embody authorities entities, landlords, monetary establishments, and companies engaged in unlawful or predatory actions.
The grant is a part of Lengthy Seaside’s broader effort to assist restoration and revitalization efforts for small companies negatively affected by property crime.
For help with the applying, enterprise homeowners can contact the BizCare Hotline at 562-570-4249 or electronic mail [email protected]. Technical assist is obtainable by calling 1-855-582-3973 or emailing [email protected]. The applying can be accessible through the FORWARD platform.
Candidates will obtain an electronic mail affirmation upon profitable submission of their software. Whereas submissions can’t be edited after they’re submitted, candidates needing to make corrections can contact [email protected].
Further assist is obtainable in a number of languages, though the applying itself should be accomplished in English. Tutorial movies and additional details about required paperwork and eligibility can be found via the applying portal.
