Business Assistance and Business Rental Assistance Programs
On June 28, 2022, the City Council adopted the FY 22-23 Annual Budget which included the ARPA programs' approval. $150,000 was allocated for a Business Assistance Program and $150,000 for a Business Rental Assistance Grant program.
Business Assistance and Business Rental Assistance Programs
Grants of up to $10,000 per business to provide individualized assistance to businesses. Criteria includes:
Eligible businesses must be located within incorporated Hercules.
The business must demonstrate a reduction in workforce and/or loss of business revenue from March 16, 2020, to December 31, 2021, and that they received little to no financial assistance in response to the pandemic.
Some business types, including corporate-owned chains or non-local franchises are not eligible for the program.
Funding availability is limited, and award of funds is contingent on availablility of funds.
Business Assistance Grants
Grants of up to $15,000 will be made available to qualified small businesses. Criteria includes:
Grants to be paid directly to their landlords to cover rent that the business owes.
Eligible businesses must be located within incorporated Hercules.
The program is aimed at brick-and-mortar, for-profit businesses in operation prior to March 16, 2020, with fewer than 25 employees.
The business must lease/rent their commercial property directly from a landlord.
Business Rental Assistance Programs
The business must demonstrate a delinquency in rent payments at any time from March 16, 2020, to December 31, 2021.
The business must demonstrate a reduction in workforce and/or revenue loss from March 16, 2020, to December 31, 2021, and that they received little to no financial assistance in response to the pandemic.
Some business types, including corporate-owned chains or non-local franchises, investment and insurance companies, and commercial and residential landlords, are not eligible for the grant program.
Funding availability is limited, and award of funds is contingent on available funds.
Business Rental Assistance Programs