Frequently Asked Questions

 What are Small Business Grants?

City of Tolleson is offering grants up to $2,500.00 to small businesses having financial hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

How much funding is available for Small Business Grants?

The Tolleson City Council has authorized $20,000.00 for the Business Relief Program.  A business may apply for up to $2,500.00 in grant funding. 

My business received financial assistance through the Federal Stimulus Programs, am I still eligible for the Tolleson Relief Grant?

Yes, you are eligible for a grant award if you can demonstrate that the Federal Stimulus funding you received was not enough and that you have not received any COVID related financial assistance from the City of Tolleson prior to submitting your application.  

Who can qualify for a grant?

  City of Tolleson businesses must meet the following criteria:

• In operation within Tolleson city limits, prior to January 1, 2020.

• Employed 25 or fewer full-time equivalents as of March 1, 2020.
• Did not generate more than $1 million in gross revenues between January 1, 2019 and December 31, 2019.
• Does not have more than 1 (one) physical location within the City of Tolleson
• Experienced Gross revenue declines of at least 25% as a result of COVID-19 from March through December 2020 as compared to the same timeframe in 2019.
• Meets all required zoning and regulatory requirements including a valid City of Tolleson Business License.
• Complies with the following provisions:
  1. Not an adult-oriented business as defined by A.R.S. § 11-811 (E)(5).
  2. Not engaged in the growth, harvest, storage, transport, distribution, use or otherwise providing cannabis for medical or recreational purposes.
     1. Not owned, in whole or part, by a City of Tolleson official or employee who, in their official capacity, participates in the oversight, development or implementation of the City of Tolleson Small Business Relief Program.

Do the grants need to be paid back?

No, but any grant funds, and any interest income earned on those funds, that are not spent or committed for the purposes of the grant, must be returned to the City by June 30, 2021.

What is the application review and decision-making process?

The City Staff will review applications on a first come first serve basis to confirm eligibility and notify applicants of any deficiencies and methods to rectify within two business days of receipt.  Once an application is complete, the city council will recommend grant awards to small businesses.  Grant awards will be based on the documented financial need and eligibility criteria. Funds will be distributed within 15 days of approval.     

When will the application be available?

An online portal and application will be available beginning Monday February 15, 2021, at www.tollesonaz.org.  Applications will be available in both English and Spanish.

 Is there a deadline to apply?

The deadline to apply is Friday, April 30, 2021.  Grants will be awarded on a first come first serve basis based on date of submission until funding is exhausted or the grant period closes.

 When can my small businesses expect to receive funds if awarded?

Grant payments will be issued by check within 15 business days of the award notification to the recipient. Recipients will receive communications via email.

 Will all qualified applicants receive a $2500.00 grant?

Grant awards will be based on a case by case basis determined by the committee.

What if I have more questions?

Applicants may contact Jason Earp at Jason.Earp@tolleson.az.gov for additional assistance.