Small Business Assistance Program
Awarded funds are intended to help businesses retain staff and continue to provide quality services to the residents of Bellflower. Use of funds is at the business owner's discretion, however, below are some examples of eligible activities:
- Overhead expenses;
- Rent and utilities;
- Business services (website development, etc.) business inventory and supplies;
- Capital or equipment purchases necessary for the business operation, excluding vehicles.
Only 10 grants will be awarded. Businesses are not expected to pay back the grants.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: NOVEMBER 4, 2021 BY 5:00 P.M. (PST)
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Program Eligibility
Businesses must meet all requirements to be eligible for the program. Eligibility requirements are outlined below:
- Business must be physically located within Bellflower city limits;
- Business has a current business license, in good standing in the City of Bellflower;
- Business must employ less than 25 employees, including the owner(s);
- Business has been operational at least six (6) months;
- Have or register for a DUNS Number (City Staff are available to assist);
- Submit all required documents;
- Meet one of the following criteria below:
- The service activity of the business is primarily residential, where at least 51 percent of the residents are low- and moderate-income (LMI) persons, and the business’ services meet the needs of the service area residents. If the commercial district is composed of stores and businesses that serve local customers that meet the LMI requirement, then it qualifies; OR
- 51% of the business’s employees’ household income meets the HUD 80% income limit; or 51% of the business’s employees live in a census tract comprised of a minimum 70% low/moderate income residents (employees do not have to be Bellflower residents).
Due to federal funding restrictions, businesses that meet one of the following criteria are not eligible for participation in the program:
- Business that do not currently employ low- and moderate-income (LMI) persons OR that are in a census tract, block group that does not service LMI persons;
- Businesses that fall into the following categories: gaming/gambling, marijuana dispensaries and manufacturing, and any business or activity that does not comply with local, state or federal laws;
- Residential and commercial landlords;
- Hotels/motels;
- New and/or used auto sales;
- Non-profit organizations (24 CFR §570.203(b)).
Phone Contact: (562) 804-1424 ext 2286