New Grants Offer Aid To South Tucson Businesses

TUCSON, AZ - Small businesses and nonprofits struggling due to the economic slowdown ushered in by the coronavirus pandemic may soon have some help. Applications open Friday for south Tucson small business grants through the city of Tucson's We Are One/Somos Uno Resiliency Fund.

The grants, offering $2 million for small businesses and $500,000 for nonprofits, will be awarded by the YWCA of Southern Arizona's Women's Business Center in amounts ranging from $2,500 to $10,000 as part of the city’s CARES Act funding. The applications will be offered in both English and Spanish. Preference will be offered to businesses owned by women and minorities, as well as those with disabilities.

"Our city’s small, local businesses have been greatly impacted by the pandemic,” said Mayor Regina Romero in a news release. “Similarly, nonprofit organizations that do so much for our community have had to adjust to operating with limited resources. These grants provide the initial support our community needs to help propel local economic recovery.”

To be considered eligible, businesses must have fewer than 50 employees, cannot have received any Payment Protection Program aid and must be able to demonstrate economic hardship due to the pandemic. The grants must be used for operational costs, like rent or utilities.

Business owners hoping to apply must come prepared with the following documentation: a personal ID, business taxes, a business bank account, a city of Tucson business license if required for their business type and bank statements for February through May 2020. Businesses that have yet to set up a business account can get help through YWCA.

The organization hopes to award grants as early as 10 days after the application opens. Applications close on Aug. 28.

More information can be found here.