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Small Business + Entrepreneurial Recovery Grants

Due to the overwhelming number of applications received and being processed, we have added an additional check distribution date of November 19. If you have not yet received notification from the Economic Development Department we have a target timeframe of the end of November to either fund or decline all Small Business + Entrepreneurial Recovery Grants. Thank you for your continued patience.

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About the Small Business + Entrepreneurial Recovery Grant Program

The City of Albuquerque Economic Development Department and the Small Business Office have created a new recovery grant program covering the following business sectors:

  • Family-Owned Business Grants
  • Mainstreet Business Grants
  • Hotels & Public Safety Grants
  • Arts & Entertainment Business Grants
  • Youth & Education Grants
  • Entrepreneurial & Start-Up Grants

The program's mission will be to stimulate local economic activity and growth through one-time grants in the amount of $10,000. The grant program totals $7.5 million, provided by the American Rescue Plan Act.


 

Family-Owned Business Grants


Grants for family-owned businesses.

Grant Closed

Youth & Education Grants


Grants for non-public educational establishments.

More Info

Arts & Entertainment Grants


Grants for the Arts & Entertainment community.

Grant Closed

 

Hotels & Public Safety Grants


Grants for Albuquerque's hospitality industry.

Grant Closed

Mainstreet Business Grants


Grants for Albuquerque's historic neighborhoods.

Grant Closed

Entrepreneurial & Startup Grants


Grants for startups and entrepreneurs.

Grant Closed


FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the City of Albuquerque Small Business and Entrepreneurial Recovery Grant?

The City of Albuquerque Economic Development Department and the Small Business Office have created a new recovery grant program covering the following categories:

  • Family-Owned Business Grants
  • Mainstreet Business Grants
  • Hotels & Public Safety Grants
  • Arts & Entertainment Business Grants
  • Youth & Education Grants
  • Entrepreneurial & Start-Up Grants

The program's mission will be to stimulate local economic activity, and growth for Albuquerque’s economy, with $7.5 million provided by the American Rescue Plan Act, through one-time grants in the amount of $10,000. 

When can small businesses apply for the grant?

City of Albuquerque small businesses can apply for the grant beginning August 4, 2021, at 10 a.m. Applications will remain open until grants are fully subscribed. 

How will the program be funded?

The program will be funded by utilizing $7.5 million of the City’s allocated American Rescue Plan Act funds.

How much can a small business receive through this program?

One-time grants will be available to small businesses located in the City of Albuquerque in the amount of $10,000. An applicant may apply for more than one grant if the businesses meet criteria for multiple grant categories, but only one grant will be awarded per applicant.

If I received other relief grant funding, can I still qualify for the ARPA funding grants?

Yes.

How can a small business use the grant fund?

The program will offer one-time grants of $10,000 to qualifying small businesses to cover operating expenses, payroll, permitting, business equipment purchases, business mortgage obligations, business rent, lease payments, surveillance and security improvements, and utility expenditures. For Hotel & Public Safety Grants may be used for safety and security improvements, such as fencing, security cameras, and secure access. 

The grant cannot be used for back-owed taxes, liens, or unpaid code enforcement fines.

How will the Economic Development Department choose which businesses receive funding among those that qualify?

Upon successful completion of the application, the grantees will be awarded on a first come, first serve basis unless the grants are oversubscribed. The City of Albuquerque Economic Development Department reserves the right to change the program process as it sees fit. Operating expenses do not include back-owed taxes, liens, or unpaid code enforcement fines.

Are there any businesses not eligible to apply for this grant?

Ineligible businesses include:

  • Businesses with more than 50 full-time (or equivalent) employees (two part-time employees count as one)
  • Businesses located outside the City of Albuquerque
  • Businesses not registered with the City of Albuquerque, and those that registered after July 15, 2021

What happens after an application is turned in?

Once an application is turned in, it will enter an internal review process. Grant Officers will be working with businesses, checking the application for eligibility, and document verification. Once complete, it will enter a secondary review for final decision. 

 

If you have additional questions or need assistance with your grant application, please email [email protected] or call 505-768-3270.