The city's Economic Development Department is opening up another grant program to help so-called legacy businesses that are struggling because of the pandemic.
The $5 million are intended to help prop up businesses that have operated a brick-and-mortar site within Austin's City Council districts for at least 20 years. Business owners must be able to prove they've suffered financially because of COVID-19 before applying.
Bars, restaurants, art spaces and other qualified venues can apply for $20,000 in immediate relief or up to $140,000 in longer-term relief starting Tuesday at 10 a.m. The application window closes March 10 at 5 p.m.
The city says payments will be sent out starting in March through the nonprofit PeopleFund. Learn more about the grant program on .
The city set up two webinars next week for businesses interested in applying for the program.
All applicants must complete an assessment of their business practices, which could include one-on-one consultations. Only those that have applied to the emergency grants will be able to apply for longterm funding. Those who qualify for that program could receive as much as $140,000 in monthly installments of $40,000 at most.
The grant program is part of the city's SAVES program, which was established in October to fund struggling child care operators, live music venues and legacy businesses.
