The Metropolis of Lengthy Seashore is now accepting functions for its Visible Enchancment Program (VIP) Grant, a monetary help initiative providing as much as $1,500 to small companies and nonprofits impacted by crime or vandalism occurring on or after October 1, 2022. The grant goals to assist cowl the price of storefront repairs, boarding, insurance coverage deductibles, and working bills.
Purposes are open on a rolling foundation and can stay out there till all funding is exhausted. Awards shall be issued as funds grow to be accessible, and candidates shall be notified if extra info is required in the course of the overview course of.
The Metropolis states {that a} minimal of fifty% of grant awards shall be reserved for companies owned by an individual of coloration or situated in low- to moderate-income areas. Outreach efforts are centered in these areas to make sure equitable distribution of funding in alignment with the Lengthy Seashore Restoration Act.
Eligible companies might submit one utility per distinctive incident of vandalism and will obtain as much as $1,500 for every incidence. Nevertheless, just one award could also be issued per enterprise in a six-month interval.
To qualify, companies should be working throughout the Lengthy Seashore metropolis limits and have a sound Metropolis of Lengthy Seashore enterprise license. The enterprise should be a non-public for-profit or a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, at the moment open or quickly closed as a consequence of property injury. Candidates should present proof of vandalism and different required documentation, together with a photograph ID, W-9, and enterprise license.
Further eligibility necessities embrace:
- Independently owned and never publicly traded
- Fewer than 200 staff
- Lower than $2 million in annual gross income
- Lively standing with the California Secretary of State (aside from sole proprietors)
- A bodily storefront in Lengthy Seashore
- Legitimate EIN, FEIN, or SSN
Dwelling-based companies, completely closed companies, and people who have already acquired related grant funding for a similar incident aren’t eligible. Different ineligible candidates embrace authorities entities, landlords, monetary establishments, and companies engaged in unlawful or predatory actions.
The grant is a part of Lengthy Seashore’s broader effort to help restoration and revitalization efforts for small companies negatively affected by property crime.
For help with the applying, enterprise house owners can contact the BizCare Hotline at 562-570-4249 or e mail 4Biz@longbeach.gov. Technical assist is offered by calling 1-855-582-3973 or emailing help@forwardplatform.zendesk.com. The appliance can be accessible through the FORWARD platform.
Candidates will obtain an e mail affirmation upon profitable submission of their utility. Whereas submissions can’t be edited after they’re submitted, candidates needing to make corrections can contact visualimprovementprogram-support@livestories.zendesk.com.
Further help is offered in a number of languages, though the applying itself should be accomplished in English. Tutorial movies and additional details about required paperwork and eligibility can be found via the applying portal.
