Harlem BID Teams With Apollo To Offer Small Business Grants

HARLEM, NY — Small businesses in Harlem suffering from lost business due to the coronavirus pandemic are eligible to apply for grants through a partnership between neighborhood business groups and the Apollo Theater.

The Apollo is teaming up with the 125th Street Business Improvement District and the Harlem Commonwealth Council to award $1,000 micro grants to independently-owned businesses that have been operating in Harlem for at least six months. The deadline to apply for grants is June 25.

Businesses that are branches or locations of a large corporation will not be eligible for the micro grants. Applicants must supply information such as a description of the business' structure, services and products offered and a list of staff members or consultants. Applicants also required to explain how the coronavirus has negatively affected their business and how the $1,000 will be used to help maintain operations.

Documents that business owners will be asked to submit include: A copy of 2019 taxes (or 2018 if 2019's have not been filed), a budget plan for 2020, evidence of six months of operation in Harlem and evidence that the business is independently owned.

Many New York City businesses were cleared to reopen in a limited capacity this week when the region entered "Phase One" of the state's economic recovery plan. Notably, retail stores are allowed to offer curbside pickup. New York City must meet state benchmarks on infection numbers, available hospital beds and testing capacity for two weeks to advance to "Phase Two" which allows in-store shopping and outdoor dining.

Find out more about applying for the grant here.