Coronavirus: Middletown Eligibility for Microenterprise Grants

MIDDLETOWN, RI — Middletown small businesses that have sustained a negative effect from the new coronavirus health crisis of more than $1,000 in lost sales are eligible to apply for the Microenterprise Stabilization Grant Program offered through the state's Office of Housing and Community Development. Grants of $5,000 are being offered through the program for those eligible.

To be eligible, businesses must be located in Middletown — communities are participating — must have been started prior to Jan. 1, 2019, be a for-profit entity and must employ between two and five employees as of March 3. Businesses must also be current in all taxes and loans and as of March 1 and have not received money from federal Payment Protection Program or Emergency Injury Distaster Loans, among other restrictions.

Eligible businesses do not include: cannabis, real estate, home-based businesses with no employees, businesses owned by those under 18, franchises or chains, liquor stores, weapons and firearms dealers, lobbyists, independent consultants and businesses that exclusively sell to those under 18 years old.

Those who meet those and other requirements, or have questions, are asked to contact Ron Wolanski, Town Planner, at rwolanski@middletownri.com (preferred) or 401-849-4027.