Neighborhood Business Grants

To help New York City’s small businesses experiencing financial distress due to the impact of COVID-19, Citizens Committee has launched Neighborhood Business Grants.   

Small businesses, vital to the fabric of their neighborhoods, will receive grants of $5,000 – $10,000 to maintain payroll and operations. We will prioritize businesses owned by people of color, immigrants, and women. Proposals that focus on adapting businesses to the challenges of COVID-19 (i.e. delivering orders, fulfilling online requests for products, conducting training and classes online) will also be prioritized. Grants may be made to barber shops, restaurants, food carts, vegetable stands, and other small businesses. Unlike many financial opportunities currently available to small businesses, this program will provide grants rather than loans.

The application is intended to be accessible and short, and will be reviewed on a rolling basis. If you have any questions, please email businessgrants@citizensnyc.org.

Criteria:

  • Business must be located in one of New York City’s five boroughs.
  • Demonstrated business revenue decrease of at least 25% due to COVID-19.
  • Businesses must employ no more than 10 employees.

Preference will be given to businesses that are:

  • Owned by people of color, immigrants, or women.
  • Owned by low- and moderate-income residents.
  • In need of funding to stay afloat.
  • Using funding to adapt the business make it operational during or after COVID-19.
  • Groups that have not received Small Business Administration Economic Injury Disaster Loan (COVID-19 related), a Paycheck Protection Program Loan, or other loan.

Access the online application by clicking here

To view a sample of the application, please click here