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1. When will I be able to apply for Small Business Assistance Program benefits?

The application period ended at midnight May 14, 2020.  Application review is underway.  If a business has already received a Stanislaus County Business Relief grant, it will be ineligible to receive a City of Modesto Small Business Assistance Program emergency loan.

2. Are any Small Business Assistance Program benefits automatic or do I need to apply for each one?

No. Benefits for this program are not automatic.  Businesses must apply for these benefits online, using a single application form.

Small Business Assistance Program

3. Can I apply for just one part of the program?

Yes. When submitting your application you will have the opportunity to choose which components of the program you are requesting to participate in.

4. Who do I contact if I have questions or need assistance with my application?

Visit the Small Business Assistance Program web page for a complete list of contacts.

5. Can my business apply to both Modesto's Small Business Assistance Program and also to Stanislaus County's Small Business Relief Program?

A business may apply for tax, fee and utlity billing deferrals from the City of Modesto, and apply to either the County’s Small Business Relief Program for micro-grant benefits OR to Modesto’s Small Business Assistance Program for zero-interest, forgivable loan benefits.  The goal is to spread the benefits to as many qualifying businesses as possible, not enable "double dipping".

6. Can my business apply for Modesto Small Business Assistance Program benefits and Federal financial assistance such as through the Small Business Administration?

Yes.

7. Do I need to be current on my Business License and Utility accounts to be eligible for program benefits?

Yes.  To be eligible you must meet the following guidelines:

• Less than $500,000 quarterly in gross receipts
• Less than 50 employees
• Good standing in paying Utility bills and Business Taxes

8. When will I be notified that my application has been approved or denied?

The application submission period ended at midnight, May 14, 2020.  Application review is underway.  Please note that any business that has already received a Stanislaus County Small Business Relief Grant will be ineligible to receive a City of Modesto Small Business Assistance emergency loan.

9. Do businesses have to report the March quarter if they are applying for the deferral?

Yes. Businesses are required to submit their Declaration of Gross Receipts (BL-1) quarterly report regardless if they can pay or if they intend to apply for the deferral.

10. Can home based businesses apply for the Business License Tax deferral?

Yes, Home Based businesses may apply for the Business License Tax deferral. However, Home Based businesses are not eligible for the Utility deferral.

11. Who is eligible for the Small Business Assistance Utility Bill deferral?

To be eligible, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• The applicant must be listed on the City of Modesto utility account
• The address for the utility account must be solely a business address (home-based businesses are not eligible for the utility bill deferral)
• The business must be current on its City of Modesto utility bill and business license tax as of March 31, 2020
• The applicant must have an active Business License as of March 1, 2020
• The applicant must have been in business for at least one year as of March 31, 2020
• The applicant must have averaged less than $500,000 in quarterly receipts for the four quarters ending March 31, 2020
• The business must have 50 or fewer employees as of March 1, 2020

The business must be located within the City of Modesto city limits

12. How do I apply for the Utility Billing Assistance Program?

The application period ended at midnight, May 14, 2020.