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1. Are non-profit organizations eligible to apply?

No.

2. Do you have to live in Amesbury or Newburyport to apply?

You do not have to live in Amesbury or Newburyport, but your business must be in Amesbury or Newburyport.

3. I have 3 full-time employees and 3 part-time employees who work in the summer. Am I still eligible?

Unfortunately, no. The grant program is limited to businesses with 5 employees or less (including the owner), no matter how many hours the employees work.

4. Is the monetary threshold based on gross income, adjusted gross income or taxable income?

Gross income.

5. Is the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG-CV) considered taxable income?

After consulting with a certified public accountant, we believe that this grant will be considered taxable income. However, it should be offset as an expense once the funds are expended. Please consult with your business accountant for specific guidance on how to incorporate the grant into your 2020 tax return.

6. What can the grant money be used for?

Operating expenses (payroll, rent/mortgage), certain supplies and equipment, and to secure the services of a Technical Assistance Provider (legal, accounting, marketing, website). The grant cannot cover major equipment purchases, purchase of property, construction activities, business expansion or lobbying.

7. I have all of the correct documents, but they are all hard copy and I don't have access to a scanner. What can I do?

All documents must be either submitted as hard copies in person or electronically as PDFs. Please consult tools like Can Hero app (Apple App Store/Google Play Store), or consult local scanning companies like PakMail in Newburyport or Staples in Seabrook, NH. Also, the City cannot accept zipped files, or emails over 10MB.

8. What if don't have a DUNS number right now?

Complete the application and indicate that on Page 1. As soon as you receive a DUNS number, provide that to us. Grant funds cannot be distributed without a DUNS number.

9. What if I haven't filed by 2020 taxes yet?

Please submit your full 2019 and/or 2018 IRS tax returns.

10. Can I submit just Schedule C of my Federal Tax Return?

No. We need the full Internal Revenue Service (IRS) tax return.

11. Are workers who receive 1099s considered employees?

Understanding that contractors are not technically employees, many small businesses do utilize this arrangement for various reasons. Microenterprises by definition are 5 or fewer employees including the owner(s) and all part-time staff. For the purposes of determining microenterprise eligibility, contract workers who receive 1099s are counted as employees.

12. Can I really apply for funding again?

Yes! As long as the funding you received in the first round has been spent, you can request additional funding for up to the loss you can document.