Last Chance To Apply For Downtown Small Business Grants

There are a limited number of Downtown Phoenix grants still available for small businesses affected by the pandemic and light rail construction. Here’s how to apply. (Photo: Zee Peralta, 2021)

Although most downtown businesses are seeing a large resurgence in profit following the worst months of the pandemic, many operators continue to see impacts to their bottom-lines for a variety of reasons. Luckily, there are still a few grant programs open for small businesses that owners can take advantage of. These grant pools range in size, but focus on providing funds that can help offset utility payments, payroll and other main operating costs.

The PHXbizGrants program (which closes to new applicants Friday, April 15 at 5:00pm) provides grants up to $15,000 to Phoenix-based micro and small businesses. Businesses must have 25 or fewer employees, been open for at least one year prior to applying and have gross sales less than $3 million. Check out frequently asked questions and answers here.

For businesses suffering pandemic related losses, the Maricopa County Small Business Stability Grant offers up to $25,000 to owners who can demonstrate revenue declines or deficits from July-December 2020 as compared to the same period in 2019. Applications are being accepted until June 30, 2022.

Businesses directly impacted by downtown light rail construction can apply for the Valley Metro – Small Business Financial Assistance Program (SBFAP)  Business located within the eligible, target area of the light rail extension may be eligible for grant funding up to $9,000. Applications are being accepted on a rolling basis. 

Check out the City of Phoenix’s Small Business Resource Page for updates on these and new programs, as well as links to other helpful small business support tools.