The deadline for a small business grand program has been extended by one week. Small businesses in the Coastal Bend have until 8 a.m. July 27 to apply for two different grants of $500 each, announced the city of Corpus Christi, the Port of Corpus Christi, and the United Corpus Christi Chamber of Commerce at a recent joint news conference.
The grant programs include businesses in San Patricio and Nueces counties and the city of Corpus Christi. Those in Corpus Christi can apply for both grants, one of which is a $500 credit on electric bills. Those in either of the two counties but not in the city can apply for $500 in cash to help pay their bills. City businesses can apply for both.
The Small Business Regional Pandemic Recovery Program grants will be distributed by lottery rather than first-come, first-served. Once the deadline has passed, the city will begin handing out the money and credits.
At least 1,000 businesses should be able to take advantage, said Corpus Christi City Council member Paulette Guajardo. The city is providing $500,000 for the grant fund, while the Port of Corpus Christi is providing $250,000 for a total of $750,000.
“The reason we decided on $500 is that we felt that was a good number for a utility account,” Guajardo said. “The businesses I talked to saw it as a way to pay other bills, too, like postage, whatever that may be. They’re reaction to it was great.”
To apply, visit the United Corpus Christi Chamber of Commerce website. Click on the “Small Business Regional Pandemic Grant Program” box, which is visible on the homepage. It takes you to the application page.
Eligible businesses are those that employ up to 20 full- or part-time employees at all of their locations, have been in business at least 12 months, and have gross revenues of not more than $1 million from all business activities. They also have to demonstrate a loss of at least 25 percent of revenue in the period beginning March 1, 2020.
“While it may not be a lot in some circumstances, it may be enough to make a difference,” Corpus Christi Mayor Joe McComb said. “Don’t be afraid of the red tape. The chamber will work with you to get this assistance to you as soon as we can.”
The grant’s focus on small businesses is a tribute to how important they are to the community, the mayor continued.
“If we don’t have small businesses, we don’t have a city,” McComb said.