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Applications for the “At Your Side” Small Business Grant Program Are Now Open

January 25, 2021

The National Main Street Center has teamed up with Brother International to provide a total of $75,000 in funding to brick-and-mortar small businesses in designated Main Street America districts and UrbanMain member corridors as they work to adapt to COVID-19 and prepare for the next phases of reopening across the country, while also helping to revitalize and strengthen older and historic commercial corridors.

Applications are now open here and will continue to be accepted through Thursday, January 28 at 7:59 pm.

Grants of $5,000 to $10,000 will be awarded on a competitive basis. Applicants must operate in a “brick and mortar” storefront located in an Accredited or Affiliate Main Street America (Danville Business Alliance is an Accredited Main Street America member; qualifying its businesses located in Danville) or UrbanMain member commercial corridor. You can find those programs here.

Please review the program website before completing an application. If your question was not answered there, or you have questions about your eligibility, please email atyourside@savingplaces.org.

Eligible Grant Expenses

Eligible grant expenses include but are not limited to:

  • Physical improvements to business space to meet relevant reopening requirements implemented because of COVID-19
  • Equipment to comply with public health and safety guidelines (i.e., touchless payment methods, automatic door open sensors, or disposable menus)
  • Fees associated with expanding the business to e-commerce sales
  • Other professional services, such as business plan modifications
  • Rent, payroll, and other operating expenses

Grant Application Judging Criteria

  • Feasibility of proposal
  • Extent to which grant will help address an acute business need or help a business owner implement innovative solutions to address COVID-19-related challenges
  • Opportunity for other businesses to learn from work
  • Business’ contribution to the local community
  • How the grant will help improve the viability of business
  • Strength of letters of recommendation and supporting documents
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