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Fiscal Impact
The City Council allocated $154,500 for FY 2021-2022 to the Economic Development Support Fund (100-51-140-53450). Should City Council approve this application, there will be $104,414 of $154,500 remaining in the Fund for FY 2021-2022.
Background and Analysis
The City created the Economic Development Support Fund Part I and II to improve economic development in the City by providing funding for special events, marketing activities, sign and design assistance, and other related activities that provide a public benefit to the City. Part I of the program is available to business associations, individual businesses, and economic developmentrelated organizations or efforts that meet the program goals for event sponsorships, grants for marketing and promotions, studies to further economic development, and other economic development-related activities that promote program goals.
The City requires applicants to submit an application along with any supporting documentation as appropriate. Upon receipt, staff reviews the application per the following funding criteria:
1. Program Goals: Meet one or more of the program goals.
2. Targeted Areas: Applications are not limited to specific geographical areas in the City, but applications benefiting Antelope Crossing, Auburn Boulevard Specific Plan Area, former Redevelopment Area, or the Sunrise MarketPlace are emphasized.
3. Projected Outcome: Each application must describe the expected outcome of the project, program or event (e.g., expect 1,000 attendees; increased awareness of area/city; expand trade zone).
4. Leveraging Investment: Funding from the City cannot be the sole funding source.
Favorable applications will demonstrate how funds are affectively leveraging public or private investment (i.e., grant match).
5. Sustainability: Ability of the association, business, or group to carry out the described program, project or event over time without continuous financial support from the City.
6. Public Benefit: Description of how the proposed program, project, or event is a benefit to the city/community.
The Citrus Heights Chamber of Commerce applied for a $14,848 Economic Development Support Grant Part I on December 13, 2021. Staff has determined the application adequately meets the program funding criteria. Please refer to Attachment 2 for a copy of the funding application.
The City of Citrus Heights and the Citrus Heights Chamber of Commerce have benefited from a productive partnership over the past several years. The Chamber has supported and promoted City programs in addition to working on projects through its overall mission, and through the Economic Development Committee, Government Issues Committee and collaborative work with Auburn Blvd Business Association.
The Finance Committee reviewed the funding request on January 11, 2022 and recommended it for approval.
Agenda Packet Page 272
Subject: Economic Development Support Fund grant request by the Citrus Heights Chamber of Commerce Date: January 27, 2022
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Attachments: (1) Resolution No. 2022-__: A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Citrus Heights, Approving a $14,848 Grant to the Citrus Heights Chamber of Commerce from the Economic Development Support Fund – Part I (2) Citrus Heights Chamber of Commerce Part 1 Funding Application Agenda Packet Page 273
Attachment 1
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RESOLUTION NO. 2022- ___
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CITRUS HEIGHTS, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING A $14,848 GRANT TO THE CITRUS HEIGHTS CHAMBER OF
COMMERCE FROM THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT SUPPORT
FUND – PART I
WHEREAS, in March 2021, the City Council created a new three-year Strategic Goal entitled “Diversify for a resilient economy”;
WHEREAS, the City of Citrus Heights offers the Economic Development Support Program to provide funding for special events, marketing activities, or other economic development related activities that provide a public benefit to the City;
WHEREAS, the City Council approved $154,500 for the Economic Development Support Fund for Fiscal Year 2021-2022;
WHEREAS, the Citrus Heights Chamber of Commerce has submitted an application for $14,848 to the Economic Development Support Fund – Part I; and WHEREAS, the Finance Committee reviewed the application and recommended to the City Council that the application be approved in the amount of $14,848.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED AND ORDERED that the City of Citrus Heights does hereby approve a grant in the amount of $14,848 for the Citrus Heights Chamber of Commerce from the Economic Development Support Fund (100-51-140-53450).
The City Clerk shall certify the passage and adoption of this Resolution and enter it into the book of original resolutions.
PASSED AND ADOPTED by the City Council of the City of Citrus Heights, California, this 27th day of January 2022 by the following vote, to wit:
AYES: Council Members:
NOES: Council Members:
ABSTAIN: Council Members:
ABSENT: Council Members:
Porsche Middleton, Mayor
ATTEST:
Amy Van, City Clerk
Agenda Packet Page 274
APPLICATION FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT SUPPORT FUND – PART I
FUNDING
Part One – General Information
Organization Name: Citrus Heights Chamber Project Name: Chairman’s Circle Sponsorship Address: 7625 Sunrise Blvd., Suite 207
Citrus Heights CA 95610
Phone:
916-722-4545
Mailing
Address
PO Box 191
Citrus Heights CA 95611
Website: chchamber.com
Contact
Person
(Name/Title):
Diane Ebbitt, Executive Director Phone:
916-722-4545
Email:
[email protected]
Amount of Funding Requested: $14,848
Part Two – Project Specifics
The Citrus Heights Chamber is requesting the City participate in the Chairman’s Circle Sponsorship program. The City has participated as a sponsor for many years in the past.
Support for the previous eight fiscal years is outlined below:
2020/21 $10,000 Chairman’s Circle Diamond Sponsorship awarded through the City’s Economic Development Support Fund.
2018/19 $10,000 Chairman’s Circle Diamond Sponsorship awarded through the City’s Economic Development Support Fund.
2017/18 $10,000 Chairman’s Circle Diamond Sponsorship awarded through the City’s Economic Development Support Fund.
2016/17 $10,000 Chairman’s Circle Diamond Sponsorship awarded through the City’s Economic Development Support Fund.
2015/16 $10,000 Chairman’s Circle Diamond Sponsorship awarded through the City’s Economic Development Support Fund.
2014/15 $10,000 Chairman’s Circle Diamond Sponsorship awarded through the City’s Economic Development Support Fund.
2013/14 $10,000 Chairman’s Circle Diamond Sponsorship awarded through the City’s Economic Development Support Fund.
2012/13 $7,500 Community Support Funding.
Agenda Packet Page 275
The City of Citrus Heights and the Citrus Heights Chamber of Commerce have benefited from a productive partnership over the past several years. The Chamber has supported and promoted City programs in addition to working on projects through its overall mission, and through the Economic Development Committee, and the Government Issues Committee. Those programs include:
• Continued efforts to support ABBA (Auburn Boulevard Business Association), Antelope Crossing Business Association and Sunrise MarketPlace.
• Attend Community Connections, participated in “PAL’s Annual Truck or Treat”, and “PAL’s Cornhole Tournament” 2022
• Board member of Citrus Heights HART
• Volunteer with the Citrus Heights Police Department
• Member of Mayor’s Connect Citrus Heights
• Continue participation in the Holiday Referral Program • Host an Annual Elected Officials Reception in August
• Semi-monthly meetings with Economic Development and Communications Manager • Assist with the City’s “Love Local” Campaign
• City Manager and Chief of Police luncheon speakers
The Chamber is requesting the City participate as a Diamond Level Sponsor, valued at more than $15,000. In exchange for the Sponsorship, the City will receive the following assets:
Monthly Luncheons - 4 seats per month
Luncheon Sponsorship (Mayor Presentation) - June
5 minutes at the microphone
Placement of brochures at each table setting
Lunch for 2 additional seats (speaker’s meal complimentary) A display table to display brochures and flyers
Name and logo on the luncheon flyer and eblasts as a sponsor Luncheon Sponsorship (Chief Presentation) – September
5 minutes at the microphone
Placement of brochures at each table setting
Lunch for 2 additional seats (speaker’s meal complimentary) A display table to display brochures and flyers
Name and logo on the luncheon flyer and eblasts as a sponsor Event Sponsorship
Installation Dinner – 1 Table of 8
Rotating Logo link on Website
16x20 Diamond Sponsor Plaque on the Chamber Wall
Agenda Packet Page 276
Listing as Diamond Sponsor on all PPTs
Diamond Level Tile on all e-blasts with logo link
Newsletter – Logo with Link on all newsletters
Four Feature articles in the Newsletter
12+ Social Media postings.
Total possible impressions = 148,200
2). PROGRAM PURPOSE: Describe which of the following program objective your project meets. More than one project objective may be identified. • Increase Job Base: Through the Chamber’s programs, committees and activities, the Chamber supports business growth and expansion. The Chamber provides networking, education and business-to-business opportunities through its luncheons, breakfasts, and mixers. The Chamber hosted its first Job Fair and plans for another in the Spring of 2022. Hosted a Drive-In Concert and raised almost $20,000 to give back to the businesses in Citrus Heights.
• Increase tax base: Through our Government Issues Committee, the Chamber supports local and state legislation that is business friendly and opposes measures that would provide obstacles to a business’ success. Through the Economic Development Committee, the Chamber partners with the City to attract new business and retain existing business in the City. The Committee provides an open forum for elected officials, utilities, and service providers to update and share upcoming initiative and activities in the government arenas.
• Promote/Market specific commercial areas of the City: The Chamber continues to support the local business associations; Auburn Boulevard Business Association., Antelope Crossing and Sunrise MarketPlace. When the Chamber and City’s Annual Business walk occurs, the Chamber targets specific commercial corridors each year. The Chamber works with the City to address concerns and issues affecting the business community and follows-up with the businesses it visits to resolve issues. In 2022, the Chamber plans on hosting a “Taco Tuesday” event on Auburn Blvd. • Attract new shoppers and visitors to the City: The Chamber partners with other Chambers in the area to provide venues for members to engage other members from outside the City limits. The quarterly Sunrise Corridor Chambers’ Power Luncheon brings members from the Rancho Cordova, Carmichael, Fair Oaks, and Orangevale Chambers together. Selecting a City restaurant to host the event provides local businesses opportunities to showcase their services.
Agenda Packet Page 277
• Create or enhance a sense of place: The Chamber will continue to work with the CHPD and City on managing those issues that concern and impact our businesses; homelessness, graffiti, illegal signs, and other quality of life issues. The Chamber will work closely with the Navigator Program and HART to help with the City’s homeless issues. Executive Director is a Board member on Citrus Heights HART and volunteer with the Citrus Heights Police Department.
• Improve perception and promote the City as business friendly: The Chamber invites the City and CH Police department to be guest speakers at a monthly Chamber Luncheon so that the business community can hear about updates, ask questions and have access to the City’s Mayor, City Council Members and City Manager. The Chamber also hosts an annual Elected Officials Reception which allows businesses to network directly with local, county and state officials. In summary, our active committees, regular and special events, along with established programs help make this an attractive location for regional businesses.
3) PROJECTED OUTCOME / BENEFIT. What is expected to result from this project? Describe how accurate record of this was obtained and will be maintained. Also, using the objectives listed in #2 above; describe how the proposed program, project or event is providing a benefit to the City / community? (No more than 1 page, typed).
In addition to the services outlined above, the Chamber will provide a strategic plan for 2022 Economic Development efforts to meet the overall goal of providing relevant and useful training and information to business owners. The Chamber commits to continue to be active with A.B.B.A. Every Friday, a newsletter is sent to over 800 email addresses with Classes listed and offered by SBA. Continue to meet with and work with SBDC – Small Business Development Center. The Chamber commits to continue Semi- monthly communication with the City and staff.
4) LEVERAGING OF FUNDS. What is the total project cost? How much of this is the City being asked to fund? Does your organization have any other funds or funding commitments to assist in the funding of the project?
The Chamber has a current operating budget of $210,000. The Sponsorship requested is a small percentage of the overall funding sources. The Chamber receives a regular stream of revenue from membership dues, event sponsorships and luncheon fees.
The Citrus Heights Chamber of Commerce should not be holding our monthly lunches outside of Citrus Heights. We prefer to use the Community Center and we are asking the City of Citrus Heights Economic Development Department to sponsor this location. By using the Community Center –
• It shows a strong partnership with the City
• It gives us the opportunity to use different restaurants and caterers in Citrus Heights • We will bring people into the Center and the area
Agenda Packet Page 278
We are asking for $10,000 for the Diamond sponsorship, and $4,848 for the South Room ABC at the Community Center. We will list the City of Citrus Heights Economic Development Department as the lunch sponsor each month, in addition to the City’s Diamond sponsorship. 5) SUSTAINABILITY. In almost all cases the City’s support of an outside organization should be considered a temporary or one-time commitment. Does your organization or event have a plan to become financially self-sustaining?
The Chamber activity pursues new corporate sponsorships (Chairman Circle Program) to fund special events and provide services to its members. The Chamber leverages the City’s support as an example to the value of partnerships for a stronger business economy within the City.
The sponsorship is evaluated each year to meet the City’s and Chamber’s changing needs and priorities. The City / Chamber partnership has been productive since the incorporation of the City of Citrus Heights. The Chamber anticipates that this mutually beneficial partnership will continue and indeed expand through the future years.
The Chamber hosts different fundraising events each year to help offset our operation cost. 6) SCHEDULE. Provide a schedule indicating when funds will be needed, when the project is to be implemented, and when it will be completed.
Funding is requested within the next month so that the Chamber can begin to prepare and allocate assets for the City.
By signing this document, I certify that I will only use the City funds for what has been outlined in this application.
Signature
Date:
*if approved, the applicant must provide a summary of the award, no later than 30-days after the end of the program, project or event.
*** The program is based on a non-COVID year.
Agenda Packet Page 279
CITY OF CITRUS HEIGHTS
CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT
MEMORANDUM
DATE: January 27, 2022
TO: Mayor and City Council Members
FROM: Christopher W. Boyd, Interim City Manager
Bill Zenoni, Interim Administrative Services Director
Meghan Huber, Economic Development & Communications Manager
SUBJECT: Citrus Heights Small Business COVID Recovery Grant Program Approval
Summary and Recommendation
On March 11, 2021, President Biden signed the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA) into law. The $1.9 trillion financial package is intended to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, including public health and economic impacts. The ARPA includes funds provided directly to the City of Citrus Heights for uses allowed under the ARPA guidelines, including providing support to small businesses which were negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Under the provisions of ARPA and consistent with guidance provided by the US Treasury Department, ARPA funds may be used by municipalities to provide grants to local businesses which were negatively impacted by the COVID pandemic. At a November 10, 2021 Study Session, staff provided a summary of ARPA interim guidelines, funding amounts, and an updated phased approach to the Citrus Heights COVID Recovery Map for fund deployment. Phase II of the COVID Recovery Map focuses on Small Business COVID Recovery Grants and Travel, Tourism and Entertainment Recovery. City Council directed staff to maximize support for small business and asked for the opportunity to hear directly from businesses as grant programs are considered.
At the December 9, 2021 City Council meeting, staff presented real-time data analytics on the Citrus Heights business community make-up, facilitated business community feedback through speaker comments as well as preliminary results of a business survey, and presented proposed principles for a Small Business COVID Recovery Grant Program. City Council expressed support for the Citrus Heights Small Business COVID Recovery Grant Program principles. Council requested that staff continue community outreach and engagement efforts and ensure that the program application process is simple, expedited and as confidential as possible. At the January 13, 2022 City Council Meeting, staff presented the final ARPA guidelines that were issued on January 6, 2022 after staff’s initial grant program presentation and recommendation. Of note was the addition of an alternative revenue loss calculation: a standardized allocation option of $10,000,000 in addition to the existing calculation method. City Council gave direction to launch Item 12 Agenda Packet Page 280
Subject: Citrus Heights American Rescue Plan Act Small Business COVID Recovery Grant Program Approval
Date: January 27, 2022
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a Small Business COVID Recovery Grant Program using the unallocated non-revenue loss portion of funding in the amount of $320,000.
Consistent with the program principles presented to and supported by City Council, staff recommends adopting the Resolution establishing Citrus Heights Small Business COVID Recovery Grant Program, and approving an amendment to the Fiscal Year 2021-22 Budget to appropriate ARPA funds for the Citrus Heights Small Business COVID Recovery Grant Program.
Fiscal Impact
The City received the first tranche of ARPA funding in May 2021 in the amount of $7,838,486.
Citrus Heights COVID Recovery Plan Phase I in June 2021 leveraged $5,353,209 to restore Police Department staffing levels. There is currently a $2,485,277 remaining unappropriated from the first ARPA funding allocation. The second and final release of ARPA funding is expected in May 2022.
TOTAL PROGRAM CALCULATION
Total Allocation $15,676,972
Police Department Staffing ($5,353,209)
Remaining to Allocate $10,323,763
WORKING CASH ON HAND CALCULATION
May 2021 Allocation $7,838,486
Police Department Staffing ($5,353,209)
Balance of First Allocation $2,485,277
Second Allocation due May 2022 $7,838,486
Remaining to Allocate $10,323,763
At the January 13, 2022 City Council Meeting, staff presented the final ARPA guidelines issued on January 6, 2022. City Council gave direction to launch the Small Business COVID Recovery Grant Program using the non-revenue loss portion of funding in the amount of $320,000.
Final Guideline funding
breakdown
ARPA Remaining Allocation $10,323,763
“COVID Recovery” portion $323,763
Revenue Loss portion $7,123,763
At the City Council meeting on January 13, 2022 staff received direction to immediately deploy the Small Business COVID Recovery Grant Program under the “Responding to the Negative Item 12 Agenda Packet Page 281
Subject: Citrus Heights American Rescue Plan Act Small Business COVID Recovery Grant Program Approval
Date: January 27, 2022
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Economic Impact of COVID” category of funding. Passage of the attached resolution will result in the following budget amendment:
Budget Amendment: $320,000
Fund: General Fund/American Rescue Plan Act Funds (Fund 101) Department: Non-Departmental
Staff will also potentially contract with a consulting organization to assist businesses with application support and triage during the 30 day application period at a cost not to exceed $5,000.
Background and Analysis
The following program principles are consistent with staff’s proposed program principles and incorporate City Council’s feedback to ensure engagement and simple, expedited and confidential program administration.
Program Scope
Small Business Eligibility
• Commercial business located and licensed in Citrus Heights • Business was operational as of March 1, 2020, and is still in business at the time of application submittal, and intends to remain open indefinitely • Open to all industries, available to franchises and affiliate businesses • Business entity earned $3 million annual revenue or less in calendar year 2019 • Business experienced a net revenue loss (gross revenue net of operating expenses) of at least 25% for the calendar year 2020 OR calendar year 2021 compared to the calendar year 2019
o A business cannot receive more in ARPA grant funding than total revenue loss • Business employed 20 full-time equivalent (FTE) employees or less, as of March 1, 2020.
• For businesses with multiple locations, only employment and revenue figures for the Citrus Heights location(s) can be used to qualify for a grant under the Program, and all grant funds received must be used only to support Citrus Heights business operations.
Multiple locations within Citrus Heights operating under a single business entity will be considered one business for purposes of the Program.
• Passive businesses are not eligible. These include rental properties or any business in which the owner does not actively participate.
• This program does not include non-profits at this time.
Item 12 Agenda Packet Page 282
Subject: Citrus Heights American Rescue Plan Act Small Business COVID Recovery Grant Program Approval
Date: January 27, 2022
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Funding Allocation
Grant amounts to eligible businesses will be a flat amount determined by the 2019 Annual Gross Revenue for each small business applicant as indicated in the table below:
2019 Annual Gross Revenue Brackets Grant Amount
$1,000 - $100,000 $2,000
$100,000 - $1,000,000 $10,000
$1,000,000 - $3,000,000 $15,000
Application and Review Process
Small business applicants meeting all the eligibility criteria may apply for a grant. Applying is not a guarantee of funding. Selection of applicants for grant receipt shall be based upon the recommendations of the Program Administrators.
A 30-day on-line application period will be opened commencing as soon as administratively possible and after outreach and marketing efforts are well underway. During this period, businesses may apply for a grant on-line at https://www.citrusheights.net/1139/American-Rescue-Plan-ActARPA.
It is staff’s expectation that the majority of applications will be submitted via the online application portal; however, any business lacking access to the internet and/or a computer will be able to easily submit a paper-based application by contacting staff. In addition, all applications will be available in both paper and electronic format in all key languages. Staff and its partners will be available to provide personalized live assistance via phone, in-person, or virtual meetings to assist any applicant in all key languages.
To ensure all businesses have an equal opportunity to apply for a grant, outreach efforts will be as robust and wide-ranging as possible and will occur both before and after the application period opens. General outreach efforts will include press releases and e-news, business and economic development partner organization assistance, announcements and reminders at public meetings, direct messaging to all licensed businesses for which the City has contact information, social media posts, advertising, and media engagement.
Staff will review all applications for completeness and eligibility, determine grant amounts, and process grant payments. The City Manager is authorized to make all final decisions on Program eligibility, business categorization, and grant amounts, and any related interpretations or decisions necessary to make a grant decision. All businesses accepting a grant will be required to sign a nonnegotiable Affidavit, Waiver, and Release form requiring the applicant to declare that all information contained in their application is true and correct.
Due to the uncertainty of the number of applications that may be received, it is possible that the Program could be over-subscribed or under-subscribed. If over-subscribed, there may not be Item 12 Agenda Packet Page 283
Subject: Citrus Heights American Rescue Plan Act Small Business COVID Recovery Grant Program Approval
Date: January 27, 2022
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funding available for all eligible businesses to receive a grant. If under-subscribed, there may be funds left over. If over-subscribed, a discretionary review process may be used. If undersubscribed at the end of the initial 30-day application period, staff may opt to reopen the application period for a subsequent application round or consider modification of guidelines to attempt to expend all funds. Staff will provide City Council consistent updates on program performance and progress. The actual number of grants and dollar amounts will vary based on the number of eligible businesses that apply.
Attachments
1. Resolution
2. Exhibit A: Citrus Heights Small Business COVID Recovery Grant Program guidelines Item 12 Agenda Packet Page 284
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RESOLUTION NO. 2022 - ____
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CITRUS
HEIGHTS, CALIFORNIA, ESTABLISHING THE CITRUS HEIGHTS
SMALL BUSINESS COVID RECOVERY GRANT PROGRAM AND
APPROVING AN AMENDMENT TO THE FISCAL YEAR 2021-22
BUDGET
WHEREAS, on April 22, 2021, the City Council adopted the Budget for the City of Citrus Heights for Fiscal Years 2021-22 and 2022-23;
WHEREAS, subsequent to adoption of the Budget, the City of Citrus Heights received funding from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA);
WHEREAS, an eligible use of ARPA funds is to provide support to small businesses within the City of Citrus Heights which were negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic; WHEREAS, a Small Business COVID Recovery Grant Program has been developed and reviewed by the City Council; and
WHEREAS, the City Council has determined that it is in the best interest of the citizens of the City of Citrus Heights to provide assistance to small businesses which have been negatively impacted economically by the COVID-19 pandemic.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City Council of the City of Citrus Heights hereby establishes the Citrus Heights Small Business COVID Recovery Grant Program as outlined in Exhibit A; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City Council of the City of Citrus Heights approves an amendment to the Fiscal Year 2021-22 Budget as provided below:
Budget Amendment $320,000
Fund: General Fund/American Rescue Plan Act Funds (Fund 101) Department: Non-Departmental
Item 12 Agenda Packet Page 285
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PASSED AND ADOPTED by the City Council of the City of Citrus Heights, California, this 27th day of January, 2022, by the following vote, to wit:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS:
NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS:
ABSTAIN: COUNCIL MEMBERS:
ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS:
Porsche Middleton, Mayor
ATTEST:
Amy Van, City Clerk
Attachment:
Exhibit A – Small Business COVID Recovery Grant Program Guidelines Item 12 Agenda Packet Page 286
Citrus Heights Economic Development
AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN ACT
SMALL BUSINESS COVID RECOVERY GRANT PROGRAM GUIDELINES
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
To further support businesses in Citrus Heights experiencing negative financial impacts of COVID-19, the City of Citrus Heights has created the “ARPA COVID-19 Small Business Recovery Grant Program” (hereafter, the “Program”). The Program provides grant funding to assist businesses with absorbing costs associated with the financial impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and to support business recovery. The total amount of grant funds available is $320,000.
The Program provides grants up to $15,000 to certain eligible businesses. There is a limited allocation of funds available for the Program; therefore, depending on the number of businesses that apply, it is possible that not all eligible businesses can be assisted. Applying is not a guarantee of funding. Selection of applicants for grant receipt shall be based upon the recommendations of the Program Administrators. If the program as outlined below is oversubscribed, a discretionary review process may be used. The allocation, amount, business eligibility and making of grants will be solely within the City Manager’s discretion.
BUSINESS ELIGIBILITY
Outlined below are the grant categories and eligibility criteria for a business to receive a grant.
Eligibility exceptions may be considered by the City Manager.
Small Business Eligibility
• Commercial business located and licensed in Citrus Heights • Business was operational as of March 1, 2020, and is still in business at the time of application submittal, and intends to remain open indefinitely • Open to all industries, available to franchises and affiliate businesses • Business entity earned $3 million annual revenue or less in calendar year 2019 • Business experienced a net revenue loss (gross revenue net of operating expenses) of at least 25% for the calendar year 2020 OR calendar year 2021 compared to the calendar year 2019
o A business cannot receive more in ARPA grant funding than total revenue loss • Business employed 20 full-time equivalent (FTE) employees or less, as of March 1, 2020. • For businesses with multiple locations, only employment and revenue figures for the Citrus Heights location(s) can be used to qualify for a grant under the Program, and all grant funds received must be used only to support Citrus Heights business operations. Multiple locations within Citrus Heights operating under a single business entity will be considered one business for purposes of the Program.
• Passive businesses are not eligible. These include rental properties or any business in which the owner does not actively participate.
• This program does not include non-profits at this time.
Item 12 Agenda Packet Page 287
FUNDING ALLOCATION LEVELS
Grant amounts to eligible businesses will be a flat amount determined by the 2019 Annual Gross Revenue for each small business applicant as indicated in the table below:
2019 Annual Gross Revenue Brackets Grant Amount
$1,000 - $100,000 $2,000
$100,000 - $1,000,000 $10,000
$1,000,000 - $3,000,000 $15,000
USE OF FUNDS
Grant funds can be used to offset or reimburse the business for operational costs or revenue loss caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, including:
• General business operations
• Payroll expenses
• Supplier payments
• Rent, lease, or mortgage payments for business real or personal property • Façade improvements to resolve COVID related blight
• Outdoor improvements
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and/or sanitation supplies and equipment • Costs of compliance with county, state, or federal requirements or recommendations • Technical assistance, counseling, or other services to assist with business planning needs Ineligible use of grant funds are as follows:
• Anything outside the scope relating to COVID-mitigation • Any expense not applicable through ARPA
• To fund any business other than that which is receiving the grant
APPLICATION, REVIEW, AND APPROVAL PROCESS
An initial 30 calendar day application period will be established which will commence on a Monday at 9 AM (the exact date of which will be determined and broadly publicized), and will close 30 calendar days later, at 5 PM. Applications may be submitted electronically via the City’s online application portal which will be established at http://www.citrusheights.net/1139/AmericanRescue-Plan-Act-ARPA. The City will also accept written applications submitted to the attention of the City of Citrus Heights Economic Development and Communications Manager at 6360 Fountain Square Drive, Citrus Heights, CA 95621.The City will not accept applications after the application period closes.
The application process will be as follows:
• Business submits application with required documents (listed below) o Business License Certificate
o 2019 and 2020 OR 2021 Filed Business Tax Returns
o W9
• City reviews application and supporting materials
• City determination of business eligibility and grant amount Item 12 Agenda Packet Page 288
• A discretionary administrative level review process by may be used if the program is oversubscribed
• Initial application period will be 30 calendar days; subsequent rounds may be initiated if funds are not exhausted during initial round
• The City Manager or his/her designee will make all final decisions on Program eligibility and adherence and any related interpretations necessary to make a grant decision.
PUBLIC RECORD
Unless otherwise exempt under applicable law, applications and application materials are public records. All information received from an applicant, whether received in connection with a grant application or in connection with any grant-funded activities performed, are subject to disclosure pursuant to the California Public Records Act, unless otherwise exempt. Examples of potential exemption include social security numbers, tax identification numbers or other security related information.
AFFIDAVIT, WAIVER, AND RELEASE FORM
All businesses offered a grant who choose to accept the grant will be required to sign a nonnegotiable affidavit, waiver, and release form prior to payment being made. The affidavit will require the applicant to declare that all information contained in the application is true and correct and can be used as admissible evidence in any legal proceeding against the company if the City attempted to recoup any grant funds provided under false pretenses.
PAYMENT METHOD
Grant payments will be made by check to a US based bank account in the business’s name.
Item 12 Agenda Packet Page 289