Federal and State assistance programs have all been built on a loan platform with some forgiveness of loans under certain conditions. Smaller businesses have had difficulty taking advantage of many of the more complicated programs and the uncertainty of paying back the loans. Most Small Business Assistance Programs are specifically geared to payroll, rent/mortgage, or utility payments only. A critical bridge is needed to help small businesses that invested or need to invest in customer and employee safety and to help jumpstart their business as restrictions ease. Current Small Business Assistance Programs do not provide help for public health and safety needs.
The Clover Town Council has approved up to $12,000 to provide direct financial aid to provide critical support to Clover businesses. Grants of up to $500 are now available to impacted eligible businesses on a first come-first served basis.
To receive funds through this program, businesses will be required to provide evidence of the purchase of Eligible Uses (goods or services) made in response to COVID-19 after March 1, 2020. Under this assistance program, the following are Eligible Uses:
- COVID-19 Personal Protection Equipment
- Cleaning and disinfectant products and services
- Expenses directly related to software, equipment, and physical improvements needed to accomplish any health, safety and social distancing initiatives or identified standards related to COVID-19, including signage, outdoor dining, building modifications, etc.
- Utilities - water/sewer, electricity, and natural gas bills during the time period the business was closed due to COVID-19
Submission of a Town of Clover COVID-19 Business Recovery Assistance Grant Application is required.
Applicants requesting reimbursement for Eligible Uses must provide evidence such as receipts, bills, invoices, cancelled checks showing payment, etc. of the purchase. Only purchases made after March 1, 2020, are eligible for reimbursement.
Each application will be considered and reviewed based on its completeness, the eligibility of the applicant, the eligibility of the purchase, and the availability of funds on a first come-first served basis. When submitted, each application will receive a date and time stamp to determine placement in line for consideration of available funds.
Online submittal is preferred. Click HERE to complete the application online.
The application is also available at Clover Town Hall, 116 Bethel Street. Or Download the Application. Completed applications will be accepted via email to [email protected] or by returning to Clover Town Hall.
Grant applications for the Town of Clover COVID-19 Business Recovery Assistance Grant will not be accepted after September 1, 2020.
For more information, call Clover Town Hall at 803-222-9495 or email Town Administrator Allison Harvey at [email protected].