MAMSA Small Business Grant Opens March 1; Applications due by March 19
Mount Airy, MD . March 1, 2021 | The Mount Airy Main Street Association is proud to announce its Small Business Grant designed to offer relief to businesses in Downtown Mount Airy Business District negatively impacted by the COVID-19 Pandemic. Please see below for details and application instructions - Click on Begin Grant Application button at the end this page. Mount Airy Main Street Association (MAMSA) Small Business Grant Guidelines and Information The purpose of this document is to provide guidelines and information on the Mount Airy Main Street Association (MAMSA) Small Business Grant. This grant program is designed to offer relief to businesses, within the Main Street Maryland designated community area, who have been negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Program Overview: o Funds will be awarded to eligible businesses within the Main Street Maryland designated community area only o Funds to be used for existing and/or planned small business relief to assist with costs related to capital improvements and/or operating in order for the business to continue to safely operate, expand operations and/or adapt their business model to respond to changes due to COVID-19 restrictions and prevention o One-time grant awarded in amounts based on need o Limited to one award per business that has suffered a financial loss between March - December 2020 due to COVID 19 Criteria for Eligible Businesses: o Must be a registered business entity in good standing with the State of Maryland o Have physical establishment within the Main Street Maryland designated community area o Have no pre-existing tax liens or legal judgements o The following entities are NOT eligible: a. Multi-level marketing businesses (MLM) b. 501c3 (Churches, etc) c. Financial Services, ie. Insurance, banks & financial institutions d. Investment real-estate entities e. Food trucks f. Government agencies g. Home based businesses
Supporting Documentation: o A copy of your lease agreement or Proof of ownership showing the business location is within the Main Street Maryland designated community area o Proof of “Good Standing” from the State of Maryland (Click this link to take you to the site. You do not have to purchase a letter of good standing) Go to: https://egov.maryland.gov/businessexpress This will take you to a screen that will ask you for the name of the business. This will take you to a screen where your name is displayed. Click the business name and this will take you to a screen that will show if you are in good standing. You can do a print screen to validate your standing for the applications. You do not have to purchase a copy for this application. If you have not used this site in the past it may ask you to create a login. Application and Review: o Online applications will begin on Monday, March 1, 2021 at 8:00 a.m. o Applications may be submitted online. o The application will be closed on Friday, March 19, 2021 at 5:00 p.m. o Applications will be reviewed by the Grant Committee consisting of MAMSA Executives, the Main Street Manager and MAMSA Board Members. o Review will be based on the criteria stated above and supporting documentation. Notification of Approval: o Applicants will be notified by email of their approval/denial no later than Friday, April 16, 2021. o Awarded applicants will receive a check in the mail or via personal delivery. o After an applicant receives the funds, they will not be required to complete any report. Once you receive the check, the grant process will be completed. Contact MAMSA at Info@mountairymainstreet.org or President, Kelly M Patrick at 301-748-9089 for any clarification or assistance needed to complete the application. Frequently Asked Questions: o Q. Do I need to submit receipts for purchases made with the awarded funds? · No, no receipts are required. By signing the application, you are attesting to following the guidelines of the grant. o Q. What can I use the funds for? Are there restrictions? · This grant is being offered with little restrictions. The goal is to provide relief to assist with costs related to capital improvements and/or operating in order for the business to continue to safely operate, expand operations and/or adapt their business model to respond to changes due to COVID-19 restrictions and prevention o Q. Do I need to repay the amount awarded? · No. This is a grant and no amounts need to be repaid. · This may be taxable income and a 1099 may be sent. o Q. How will I be compared to other applicants? · A ranking system has been developed to evaluate needs. Each ranked question has a point value associated with it. The applications will be reviewed and ranked by the answers provided. The grant is only available to those who suffered financial loss due to COVID 19 between March - December 2020.