/ Media Center / City of Pearland launches COVID-19 Recovery Grant Program for Small Businesses

City of Pearland launches COVID-19 Recovery Grant Program for Small Businesses

For Immediate Release
October 12, 2020

Contact:
Lisa Marie Barocas
(210) 438-2532
LMG@LMGCOMMUNICATIONS.COM

City of Pearland launches COVID-19 Recovery Grant Program for Small Businesses
–LiftFund, a nonprofit community development financial institution, will administer the grant program–

PEARLAND, TX – (Oct. 12, 2020) — In response to the unprecedented challenges created by COVID-19 for small businesses, the City of Pearland has partnered with the Pearland Economic Development Corporation and LiftFund to launch the City of Pearland Small Business Recovery Grant Program.

According to Joel Hardy, the City’s Grants Administrator, “With the passage of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act, the City is able to commit a small portion of Pearland’s CARES Act allocations to economic recovery in the local business community.”

The City of Pearland has set aside $800,000 ­for small business recovery grants that will be distributed starting Nov. 21, 2020.

Under this program, which will supplement the assistance that businesses may have received through other programs, retail and commercial businesses may apply for a business grant to pay for the following expenses: working capital, payroll for job retention or expansion, rent/mortgage for business location, utilities and other general operating expenses. Grants will range from $1,000 up to $15,000 per business.

“We recognize the seriousness of the COVID-19 virus and the impact that it is having on our community,” stated Dr. Hugh Patton, PEDC Chair. “We understand that our local employers are vital to our community’s economy and are committed to assisting small businesses that have been directly affected by the pandemic.”

LiftFund, in addition to grant funding, will also offer consultation services to ensure small business owners receive the support needed to pivot and overcome the business challenges they are facing due to COVID-19.

“We know the pandemic has caused interruptions to businesses across the country,” said LiftFund’s Regional Vice President of East Texas Region, Michi Bruns Clay. “Our goal with this program is to help small businesses in Pearland that have suffered economic losses and need support to maintain their operations and keep their doors open.”

Applications for the City of Pearland Small Business Recovery Grant Program must be submitted online at www.cityofpearlandrecoverygrants.com starting October 12, 2020 at 9:00 AM CST; the deadline to apply is October 26, 2020 at midnight.

The fund is not first come first served. All applications will be reviewed based on stated and verified business information and business operations. Qualifications include but are not limited to:

  1. Annual gross revenues greater than $10,000 but less than $2 million in 2019 gross revenue from all business activities;
  2. Limited to retail and commercial businesses, with a certificate of occupancy, that are located and will remain in the corporate limits of the City of Pearland;
  3. Ability to demonstrate a COVID-19 loss of at least 10% of revenue in the period beginning March 12, 2020 up to September compared to the same period in 2019;
  4. Ability to provide financial documentation including bank statements and tax return for verifications purposes; and comply with the spirit of the City’s non-discrimination policy.

For a complete list of qualifications and information about grant document verification, visit www.cityofpearlandrecoverygrants.com.

###

 

About City of Pearland

The City of Pearland is a full-service local government serving residents and businesses of a dynamic and diverse metropolitan suburb immediately south of Houston. Strategically located between the Texas Medical Center, Port of Houston, and Hobby Airport, Pearland itself offers a range of quality housing, retail, and office areas supported by first-class public service, parks, and recreation opportunities. The city boasts 129,600 residents by last estimate and is positioned for well-planned growth and quality of life. Over 800 dedicated public servants at the City of Pearland endeavor to make Pearland the most attractive and desirable Houston suburb available. For more information, visit www.pearlandtx.gov.

About Pearland Economic Development Corporation

Established in 1995 by the voters of the City of Pearland, the Pearland Economic Development Corporation (PEDC) is the lead economic development group for the thriving, business-friendly community of Pearland, Texas. PEDC focuses on business attraction, retention and marketing; transportation, mobility and infrastructure; developing Lower Kirby; corridors and beautification. For more information on the Pearland Economic Development Corporation, visit pearlandedc.com.

About LiftFund

LiftFund is a nonprofit small business lender that transforms lives by opening doors and leveling the financial playing field in entrepreneurship. Established in 1994, in San Antonio, Texas, LiftFund provides responsible capital and business education to small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs. Since its inception, LiftFund has made more than 21,000 loans totaling more than $369 million across its 13 state footprint, which includes: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, New Mexico, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee and Texas.