HOW DOES IT WORK?
The BOOST program was created to provide grant money to small business owners and entrepreneurs in the Main Street Service Area. The Economic Vitality Committee of the Main Street Advisory Board will meet to review and vote on grant requests. Downtown Business owners may apply for grant funding quarterly; however, the Committee reserves the right to award grants more or less frequently each calendar year. Grant awards are based on availability of funds with a minimum grant of $100 and a maximum award of $1,000.
DO YOU REQUIRE MATCHING FUNDS?
No, there is no matching funds requirement for the BOOST Grant.
DO I HAVE TO PAY THE MONEY BACK?
No! Repayment of the BOOST Grant is not required or expected. However, you can make a tax deductible contribution to the BOOST Program and pass on the kindness by helping other businesses and entrepreneurs.
WHO CAN APPLY?
BOOST Grants are designed to provide financial assistance for businesses and entrepreneurs operating in the Main Street Service area. Grant recipient must have a valid City of Villa Rica Occupational Tax Certificate (Business License).
HOW OFTEN CAN I APPLY?
You may apply each application cycle; however, applicants are eligible to receive only one grant award per calendar year. If not previously awarded funding during the current calendar year, your business/organization is welcome to reapply for BOOST Grant funding each award cycle. Applications are not carried over to successive grant award cycles. Grant cycles are quarterly. In order to be considered a grant award candidate, businesses/organizations must reapply each grant application cycle.
WHAT ITEMS ARE ELIGIBLE FOR FUNDING?
Grant funding must be used for specific business improvement items such as a new piece of equipment or a particular marketing need.
Eligible Items Include: Inventory, Supplies, Business equipment, Marketing and advertising, Interior renovations, Professional services
Ineligible Items Include but are not limited to: Rent, lease or mortgage payments; property taxes; rental deposits; payment of utility bills; late payments; interest or fees; purchase of alcohol, tobacco or medicine; payment of salaries or debts; services or work already started
HOW ARE FUNDS DISBURSED?
Once funds have been awarded, a check will be made payable to the vendor or supplier of the item or services that the business owner is purchasing. For supplies requiring online purchase, BOOST will issue a reimbursement upon receipt of a detailed invoice showing confirmation of payment. No payments will be made directly to the BOOST Grant Recipient. Items purchased or work/services started prior to the grant award date are NOT eligible for reimbursement.