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1. What is the definition of a microenterprise business?

Five or less full time employees, including the business owner.

2. For microenterprises, what is the date of the “count” of number of employees?

It would be at the time that the business applies for assistance.

3. What is LMI and what are the requirements for this grant?

LMI is low-and-moderate income persons. An individual is considered to be LMI based on their annualized family income. Overall, to be classified as LMI, an individual or family's household income must be less than or equal to 80% of the median income for the area where they reside.

Applicants must meet one of the following criteria below:

• The owner(s) of the microenterprise are LMI persons (≤80% of the area median income (AMI), based on family size).
• The service activity of the microenterprise is primarily residential, where at least 51% of the residents are low-and-moderate (LMI) persons, and the microenterprises services meet the needs of the service area residents. The microenterprise must serve only that area.

4. How do I find out what the AMI is for where I live?

Visit the HUD calculation website. Most businesses within this grant will fall under the Boston-Cambridge-Quincy MA area.

5. If there are multiple owners, do all need to meet LMI requirements in order to be eligible or does just one need to be eligible?

If there are two owners, both must be eligible. 

6. How long does a business have to be open to qualify for this grant?

Must be in business as of 1/1/19 and have a physical establishment.

7. How much money can one business apply for?

Up to $10,000.

8. What documents will I need to submit with the application?

Applicants will be required to submit documentation to support all provided information. The following list identifies the required documents that will be requested at the time in which applications are submitted:

• DUNS number
• W-9 Form Request for Taxpayer Identification Number and Certification
• 2019 or 2020 Certificate of Good Standing
• Copies of 2018 business and personal tax returns for all owners with a 20% or greater ownership in the microenterprise
• Documentation to demonstrate that COVID-19 has caused a loss of income equal to or greater than requested assistance
• Itemized details of how the funds will be spent with supporting documentation

9. How is “currently in operation” defined?

If a business was in operation but closed because of COVID, it would make sense that the business should be eligible for this funding. "Currently in operation" means that the business has not permanently closed, gone out of business, or filed for bankruptcy.

10. Can businesses buy equipment with grant funding?

The purchase of equipment, fixtures, furnishings, and property with CDBG funds is generally ineligible. Funding may be used for rent, mortgage assistance, utilities or payroll.

11. Are home-based businesses eligible?

For example, landscapers, contractors, artists, daycares, consultants, etc. Legitimately licensed commercial businesses may be considered eligible for assistance.

12. Can the funds be used to assist a business owner with making payments on a loan that they received prior to the start of the pandemic, even if it’s for an equipment purchase?

Funds may be used for working capital to cover business costs, such as rent, staffing, and utilities. Microenterprise Assistance Program funds may not be used for major equipment purchases, purchase of real property, construction activities, business expansion, or lobbying.

13. How do I apply? What are the next steps?

Businesses should be in touch with their local government officials to get relevant updates about the program. Please stay tuned for the online application coming soon.