Application Details

Small Business Awards.  The City of New Rochelle intends to utilize a portion of its ARPA allocation to support impacted small businesses and to provide local stimulus.

Request Funding. Funds will be awarded only after of the completion, submission and review of a formal funding request. The request may be made online by completing the below form. Hardcopies of the application will be made available upon request. Incomplete or deficient applications will be disqualified for consideration by the City.

Submission Limit. Applicants may submit one (1) request per business, regardless of number of locations within the City.

Competitive Process.  By completing the application, the applicant confirms that they understand that this is a competitive process, and their project may or may not be selected for further consideration or funding.  Priority shall be given to organizations that operate within City limits.  However, organizations providing services to City residents are also encouraged to apply.

Award Structure. Awards may be provided by the City of New Rochelle in the form of grants, loans, forgivable loans or any combination.

Decision Process. Each proposed project or use of ARPA funds will be subject to the City’s standard ARPA decision making process in order to ensure eligibility and ability to meet all future reporting and compliance requirements as set forth by the US Treasury

Tax Returns / W9.  Please note, a Federal tax return for Tax Year 2020 or copy of Applicant’s 2020 IRS Form 1040 Schedule C may be required as part of the funding request. In addition, the Applicant should include a current IRS Form W-9 Request for Taxpayer Identification Number & Certification.

Application Assistance.  The City of New Rochelle will host  information sessions. Please reach out to Rita Azrelyant (razrelya@newrochelleny.com) for more information.

Uses & Restrictions

City Awarded funds must be expended in compliance with applicable Local, State and Federal law. The use of funds must address costs associated with adjustments in operations and/or services due to COVID-19 impacts not otherwise addressed by current programs through the Federal or State governments. Unless otherwise noted, awarded funds may only be used for future expenses.

Eligible Small Businesses. To  be eligible for consideration, businesses must meet ALL of the following criteria:

• Demonstrate that they were in operation pre-Covid (January 27, 2020).
• Must be an existing for-profit business located in the City of New Rochelle or provide services to residents of New Rochelle.
• At least one (1) full-time equivalent employee (including the business owner).
• Have less than 500 employees.
• Generally be independently owned/operated.
• Not be dominant in its field.
• Be able to demonstrated a negative economic impact directly resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Ability to demonstrate how awarded funds would be used to make positive adjustments to operation.
• Demonstrate a sustainability plan for maintaining the business.
• Be current on all taxes and fees owed to the City of New Rochelle. 

Eligible Uses. Funding is subject to the requirements specified in the U.S. Treasury’s Final Rule.  In addition, Applicant awards must be deemed:

• Necessary and a direct result of the COVID-19 public health emergency.
• Incurred after an award is made by the City, unless otherwise specified.

Award Restrictions. Awarded funds may not be used to pay taxes, fees, or any other payments due to the City of New Rochelle. In addition, small businesses shall not be permitted to use funds received from this grant program for expenses that already or will be covered by any other local, state, or federal assistance program.

Ineligible Businesses.  The following businesses are generally considered not to be eligible:

• Businesses not currently in operation as of the date of the request.
• Businesses which commenced operations after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic (January 27, 2020).
• Banks and/or financial companies.
• Franchises or chain businesses.
• Businesses temporarily or permanently closed due to illegal activity.
• Businesses engaged in illegal activity.
• Non-Profit organizations (there is a seperate request form for non-profit organziations).
• Businesses seeking aid to provide hazard pay to eligible essential workers (there is a seperate request form specific to hazard pay).