Application Process For Small Business Fund Opening Grant In Cobb County

Press release from the Cobb County Government:

April 20, 2020

The Save Small Business Fund is a grant making initiative offering short-term relief for small employers in the United States and its territories.

Small businesses are the foundation of our communities and our economy. Employing nearly half the American workforce, they keep our neighborhoods running and make them feel like home. The impacts of the coronavirus pandemic have wrought unprecedented financial uncertainty. These businesses need resources and relief — and they need it now.

That’s why the Save Small Business Fund is providing $5,000 in short-term relief to employers across the United States. These one-time supplemental cash grants are for businesses that have between three and 20 employees and operate in an economically vulnerable community.

The grant application will go live on April 20 at 2 p.m. To learn more about the Save Small Business Fund and to apply for a grant, visit savesmallbusiness.com.

Why is this program important?
Small businesses are the foundation of our communities and our economy. Employing nearly half the American workforce, companies like yours keep our neighborhoods running and make them feel like home. The U.S. Chamber knows that businesses are facing multiple challenges right now, and every dollar counts. Funded by corporate and philanthropic partners, the Save Small Business Fund is a collective effort to provide $5,000 grants to as many small employers as possible. The hope is that these supplemental funds will help you get through the next days and weeks.

How do I Qualify?
To qualify you must:
• Employ between 3 and 20 people (including yourself and not including independent contractors)
• Have been harmed financially by the COVID-19 pandemic
• Be located in an economically vulnerable community
o This is determined by the zip code associated with your business (as listed on your W9 Form).
Zip codes eligible in Cobb include: 30006, 30008, 30160, 30168, 30061, 30060, 30063, 30067,
30069, 30082, 30081, 30106, 30111, 30126
o To check the eligibility of other zip codes, please visit www.savesmallbusiness.com.

Why are only some zip codes eligible?
The Distressed Communities Index is a measure of the economic well-being of U.S. communities, developed by the Economic Innovation Group. Just as some businesses face higher risks than others, some communities are more vulnerable. This Fund is dedicated to helping employers in the places that need them most.

How much is the grant and what is the selection process?
Each grant is for $5,000 and must be applied toward business expenses. The U.S. Chamber will send a follow-up survey to all grantees to learn how it was spent and the impact that it made. Employers that meet the above requirements will be awarded grants on a rolling basis.

When will grants be awarded?
Grants will be awarded weekly until all funds have been used. Once the grantee has been notified and submitted payment information that meets compliance checks, it will take 3-5 days to process the payment. The number of grants awarded will be scaled in proportion to the demand and available funds.

This press release was produced by Cobb County Government. The views expressed here are the author’s own.