More Providence businesses now eligible for COVID Small Business Relief

Mayor Jorge O. Elorza, Providence City Council President John Igliozzi (Ward 7) and the Providence City Council today announced updated eligibility guidelines for the City of Providence’s COVID-19 Small Business Relief Program. 

“We continue to look for innovative ways to get our American Rescue Plan dollars into the hands of those most impacted by COVID-19,” said Mayor Jorge O. Elorza. “I am pleased to announce this update that will allow us to get more help directly out to small business owners throughout the city. I encourage all eligible small businesses to apply.”

The updated eligibility removes the minimum tangible asset amount and makes businesses that have less than $500,000 in tangible property registered with the City eligible for the grant program. Businesses must still meet all other eligibility criteria, which can be found here.

“I would encourage any Providence business owner who may not have qualified under the old guidelines of this program to submit an application,” said City Council President John Igliozzi. “While we put the word out and have advertised for more than six months, money is still available to help with expenses. We all know a business owner who suffered during the pandemic. Please share this information with them.” 

The program is designed to provide microgrants to businesses throughout the City of Providence and support economic recovery from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Eligible businesses can apply online using the COVID-19 Small Business Grant Application. Small businesses that previously applied and were ineligible, but now meet the program requirements, will have their applications reopened and processed automatically. 

Business owners who do not have access to a computer or the technological ability to apply on their own are encouraged to reach out to the City of Providence for assistance by calling 3-1-1 or emailing Jessie Ernster, Small Business Coordinator, at [email protected]. 

For more information about the Providence Rescue Plan or the COVID-19 Small Business Grant application, visit PVDRescuePlan.com.