The Microgrants Program provides financial support, up to $5,000, for small businesses that experienced negative economic impacts or disproportionate impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic. The application must be completed online.
To be eligible to receive grant funds, an applicant must be:
- a business officially registered with the Texas Secretary of State and operate as a legal for-profit business (Eligible Business);
- classified as a small business under the size standards of the U.S. Small Business Administration;
- in existence on or before March 1, 2018;
- a registered vendor/supplier with the city of Dallas. (If you are not registered, you may register to be a New Vendor using this form); and
- physically located and operating within Dallas city limits (Service Area shown in the map below), or is a disproportionately impacted business in the City of Dallas (City) as defined by the U.S. Department of the Treasury as: small businesses operating in Qualified Census Tracts as defined by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
Ineligible businesses:
- a business that has ceased operations or permanently closed excluding short-term or temporary closures due to COVID 19
- a business that requires a sexually oriented business license under Chapter 41A of the Dallas City Code, or a liquor store, a pawn shop, a body piercing studio, or a tattoo studio as those terms are defined by the Dallas Development Code
- a business that has outstanding city liens or tax liens, that is party to a lawsuit against the City, that is currently in default under any other agreement with the City, or that has, in the previous 5 years, been party to a contract with the City that was terminated due to default. All expenditures for services will be subject to state and local procurement laws.
- a business that does not meet (or is unable to provide documentation that it meets) all eligibility requirements
Eligible use of funds:
- operational expenses, including:
- payroll and benefits;
- costs to retain employees;
- technical assistance to support business planning;
- and mortgage, rent, or utilities.
In addition to operational expenses, awardees classified as a Disproportionately Impacted Small Business (businesses within ARPA Census Tract Region), may use the funds for the following:
- capital expenses, such as:
- commercial property rehabilitation,
- storefront/façade improvements,
- or expansion costs.
Ineligible Uses of Funds for Small Business Assistance:
- Costs incurred prior to March 3, 2021
- Loss that bears no relation or is grossly disproportionate to the type or extent of harm experienced due to the pandemic
- Payment of non-business expenses (e.g., personal credit cards, family car, home repairs)
- Direct financing to political activities
- Religious activities, such as worship, religious instruction, or proselytization and/or those that promote or inhibit religious interest
- Economic hardship incurred for reasons other than the pandemic
- Costs previously covered by alternate federal, state, or local grant funding
- Payment of fines or federal or state taxes
- Purchase of drugs, tobacco, or alcohol
- Food and entertainment
- Bonuses
- Non-business travel
The application opened on March 5, 2024, and will be available online only. Microgrants will be awarded on a first-come-first-serve basis based on meeting the eligibility requirements.
If you have any questions or concerns, contact Jessica Nichols through phone or email;
Jessica Nichols
Grant Compliance Specialist
C: 945-275-3970
