The Metropolis of Lengthy Seaside 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 develop into accessible, and candidates shall be notified if extra data is required throughout the evaluation course of.
The Metropolis states {that a} minimal of fifty% of grant awards shall be reserved for companies owned by an individual of shade or positioned 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 Seaside Restoration Act.
Eligible companies could submit one software per distinctive incident of vandalism and will obtain as much as $1,500 for every incidence. Nonetheless, just one award could also be issued per enterprise in a six-month interval.
To qualify, companies should be working throughout the Lengthy Seaside metropolis limits and have a legitimate Metropolis of Lengthy Seaside enterprise license. The enterprise should be a personal for-profit or a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, at present open or briefly closed on account of property harm. Candidates should present proof of vandalism and different required documentation, together with a photograph ID, W-9, and enterprise license.
Extra eligibility necessities embrace:
- Independently owned and never publicly traded
- Fewer than 200 staff
- Lower than $2 million in annual gross income
- Energetic standing with the California Secretary of State (aside from sole proprietors)
- A bodily storefront in Lengthy Seaside
- Legitimate EIN, FEIN, or SSN
Dwelling-based companies, completely closed companies, and those who have already obtained comparable grant funding for a similar incident usually are not 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 Seaside’s broader effort to help restoration and revitalization efforts for small companies negatively affected by property crime.
For help with the appliance, enterprise house owners can contact the BizCare Hotline at 562-570-4249 or e-mail 4Biz@longbeach.gov. Technical assist is obtainable 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 software. Whereas submissions can’t be edited after they’re submitted, candidates needing to make corrections can contact visualimprovementprogram-support@livestories.zendesk.com.
Extra help is obtainable in a number of languages, though the appliance itself should be accomplished in English. Tutorial movies and additional details about required paperwork and eligibility can be found by means of the appliance portal.