Update

On December 15, the City Council authorized an additional $50,000 in grant program funding. Their action also authorized the program continue through January 31, 2021. All other program requirements and eligibility remain the same.

This program is now closed; all those receiving grants are listed below. Of the total $200,000 in funding, over $161,000 was awarded to local businesses.

Overview

On August 11, the Louisville City Council adopted the Recovery & Improvement Matching Grant Program to continue efforts assisting businesses that have suffered economic injury to stabilize and begin to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Funding

The program is funded by $150,000 from the City's General Fund. The City anticipates the program will run through December 31, 2020, though it may end earlier if all program funds are spent. Eligible businesses can seek 50% matching funds for projects that meet the Program Criteria, with a maximum matching grant of $10,000. Each eligible business may only receive one funded project under this program.

Staff was recently requested to amend one eligibility factor of the program: purchases made on or after September 3 are eligible as long as they still meet at least one program criteria. This means you may be able to apply for a grant even if you had previously purchased an item or started a project. It is still highly encouraged that you apply first, to ensure the project meets program criteria, that you meet all other eligibility factors, and that grant funding is still available.

If the estimated total project cost is less than $5,000, the applicant should provide one quote or bid to validate the proposed cost. If the estimated total project cost is more than $5,000, then the applicant should provide at least two quotes or bids. Applicants must pledge (and will be required to provide documentation) the other 50% of the proposed project cost.

To facilitate these improvements and efficient assistance to businesses, approved projects will receive 50% matching funds at project outset.

Process

Eligibility

To apply, a business must meet the following eligibility requirements:

• Brick-and-mortar business, currently licensed within the City of Louisville
• In operation as of March 10, 2020 (Governor's State of Emergency Declaration)
• Current on all City accounts as of date of application (Sales Tax, Use Tax, Lodging Tax, and all Utility accounts, if applicable)
• Submit complete and signed application
• Submit W-9 (allows the City to process a check if a program application is approved)

Criteria

All applicants will be asked to describe the specific type and amount of economic injury that the business has experienced as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Proposed projects must also meet at least one of five program criteria. Applicants will also need to describe how the proposed project aligns with the criteria and how it will contribute to business recovery. The criteria and project examples are outlined below:

1. Project provides for restructuring, retooling, or implementing best practices in a business operation that addresses applicable public health guidance for physical distancing or sanitation. Potential project examples include installing plexiglass or new fixtures to separate customers and staff, purchasing sanitation stations, or enhancing indoor ventilation systems. 
2. Project enhances the exterior appearance of the building façade with improvements such as painting, awnings, and permanent signage. Potential project examples include exterior paint, installation of new awnings, creating and installing permanent signage (temporary signage is not eligible), or developing a public art project to increase vibrancy.
3. Project allows business to purchase new interior or exterior furniture and fixtures to accommodate appropriate physical distancing. Potential project examples include new outdoor seating due to limited indoor capacity, outdoor space canopies/umbrellas, fixtures that allow you to alter interior space for one-way traffic and physical distancing, or furniture that eliminates communal style seating or self-service/buffet options.
4. Project improves the physical tenant or building space to accommodate operational, service, or infrastructure changes. Potential project examples include creation of a take-out window or an outdoor patio or contracting to install solar panels to reduce utility costs.
5. Project supports a collaboration between two or more Louisville businesses seeking to offer a unique product or community service.  

Grant Program Recipients

The City began awarding Recovery & Improvement Matching Grants approximately a week after the application opened. The list below will be routinely updated as grants for local businesses are approved.