Manassas City Economic Development Authority (EDA) had a special morning meeting Saturday, May 23, 2020 to establish the requirements for a Small Business Relief Fund from a proposed transfer of CARES Act funds. The amount for the Small Business Relief Fund is assumed to be $400,000 but must be approved by Council. As your Councilwoman and EDA liaison, I support the EDA authorized requirements for the program following some specific and general guidelines listed below.

Specific Guidelines

• Must have an active Business License
• Must be current on City taxes and fees
• Must submit a complete application

General Guidelines

• Amount of Grant
  • $2500
  • At this time businesses are excluded to receive a Rent Relief Grant up to the amount of that grant ($2500)

• Method of awarding grants
  • Lottery if the program is oversubscribed

• Length of time in business
  • At least since Jan. 31, 2019 (to prove lost revenues there must be at least one prior year of business activity)

• Number of Employees
  • Fewer than 25 permanent full-time employees.

• Percentage of lost revenues in April & May y/y
  • 35% or greater in each month
    
• Types of eligible businesses
  • Excluding home based businesses
  • Excluding franchises that are not locally owned and operated and National chains
  • Excluding new and used auto dealerships/sales

• Length of time a business must remain open subsequent to receiving a grant
  • Until 12/30/2020

• Length of advertising period
  • Two weeks

• Length of application period: Visit the City of Manassas Economic Development website at http://www.ChooseManassas.org for application information.
  • Two weeks
    Additional One week to process applications to qualify after Manassas City Council decision.

Contact Theresa@ManassasTogether.com for questions or assistance.

Theresa Coates Ellis for Manassas City Mayor. Election Nov. 3rd, 2020.