The Mount Vernon First Small Business Grant is now open.
Donor Name: Mount Vernon First
State: New York
City: Mount Vernon
Type of Grant: Grant
Deadline: 06/24/2024
Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000
Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned
Details:
This initiative provides crucial support to small businesses recovering from the pandemic enabling them to thrive and serve the community. Additionally, it acts as financial assistance to attract new businesses into the Downtown Business District.
Program Requirements
Grant funding can be used for the following purposes:
- This is a grant program, not a loan. You will not need to repay the money.
- Register your business with the City of Mount Vernon.
- You cannot begin construction before the grant agreement is executed.
- Grant funds can be used for build-out costs of new or existing ground floor spaces in the Mount Vernon Downtown Business District.
- Grant funds can be used on exterior / façade renovations on existing properties in the Mount Vernon Downtown Business District.
- Grant award not to exceed $25,000.
- Owners of mixed-use and commercial properties with multiple vacant ground floor store fronts may apply for a grant for each empty property in the Downtown Business District.
- Resolve outstanding property and building code violations, if applicable.
- Responsible for securing licensed and insured contractors who obtain all necessary approvals and permits and abide by all City of Mount Vernon and State of New York regulations.
- All projects must be tested for lead-based paint and asbestos before work begins.
- If grantee owns or co-owns a contracting company, that company is not allowed to bid or work on this project.
- Grantees must agree to maintain improvements for seven (7) years and notify program staff if owners decide to make major changes to the property within that seven (7) year period.
- Projects must respect the historic character of the building, improve the exterior building appearance, and contribute to the revitalization of the neighborhood.
- Grantees must agree to release any photos taken throughout the course of the project and complete the grantee survey upon project completion.
- Occupancy of a vacant ground level commercial space will receive additional points for the following business types:
- Sporting goods
- Hobby shops
- Book and music stores
- Florist
- Upscale clothing and accessories boutiques
- Art galleries
- Rage rooms, karaoke rooms, axe throwing, bowling alley
- Commercial kitchen pop-up dining
- Internet café
- Coffee/tea shop
- Theatre.
Program Eligibility
Grant funding is available to small business owners and owners of mixed-use and commercial properties in the Downtown Business District:
- In good standing with the City of Mount Vernon – i.e. not delinquent on real property, personal or school district taxes)
- Own a small business or property with ground floor commercial space in Downtown Business District.
- Business owner must have at least three (3) years remaining on their commercial lease.
- An active City of Mount Vernon Business Registration number.
- Demonstrate commitment to program requirements.
- Own a home-based business and plan to occupy a ground floor commercial space in the Downtown Business District.
For more information, visit Mount Vernon First.
