BIPOC Small Business Grant Program
The Alexandria BIPOC Small Business Grant Program is an initiative providing grants to qualifying Black, Indigenous and people of color (“BIPOC”) owned small local businesses that enable the City to retain and grow existing businesses, and/or assist with start-up activities.
Eligibility Requirements
The grant program is open to businesses which fulfill the following criteria:Demonstrate at least 51% BIPOC ownership (see FAQs for definition)Licensed in the City of AlexandriaFor-profit small businessLocated within the City of AlexandriaBetween 0-100 employeesLocally owned and operatedIntend to remain open and operational in the City of Alexandria through December 31, 2023Business is in “Good Standing” with the City of Alexandria, including:Being current on all local taxes or on a payment plan with the CityBeing in compliance with all City Zoning and Code requirements or actively working towards compliance with the responsible departments/agenciesBeing current on permits and are in compliance with Codes or actively working towards compliance with the responsible agenciesNot currently in bankruptcy proceedingsGrant funds in the form of documented expenses must be spent by July 31, 2023.Businesses that did not receive prior Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (“CARES”)/ American Rescue Plan Act (“ARPA”) grants (Back to Business Round 1, Back to Business Round 2, Back to Business All-Weather Grant, Child Care Micro Pods and Workforce Support, Childcare Workforce Stabilization Grant Program) through the City of Alexandria(including those administered by Alexandria Economic Development Partnership (“AEDP”)/ACT for Alexandria) will be prioritized.If a business is in the process of applying for a permit related to any planned expenses, you may submit an application for a grant. However, the grant application will not be processed until the business successfully provides proof of the approved permits.
Ineligible Businesses
Any business or entity that does not meet all of the eligibility criteria. The following businesses and entities are excluded from applying to the program:Corporate-owned locations, branches, or subsidiaries and franchise businesses unless they are locally owned and operatedBusinesses that are engaged in illegal activitiesGovernment entities, including political divisions of the CommonwealthBanks and Financial institutionsBusinesses without 51% BIPOC ownership;Gig economy contractors– uber drivers, Instacart contractors, task rabbit contractors, etc.
Authorized Funding Uses
Funding uses must be in the form of documented expenses spent by July 31, 2023. Funding uses should at minimum total at least $1,000.Business Operations – includes expenses related to running a businessWorking capital (eg. salaries, utilities, debt service, SWAM certifications costs, insurance)Inventory costsRent/Lease costsLocal, state, and federal taxesBusiness Resiliency – investments to support the long-term profitability of the business in the areas of:Marketing & Promotion – professional services related to the development and implementation of marketing strategies to attract customers through increased brand awareness.Technology Enhancements – the purchase of technology to facilitate e-commerce and/or vital business operations.Professional Services / Business Consultants – to procure services to assist with business planning, operations, and other business needs (i.e., accountants, lawyers, etc.).Business Growth – Capital and equipment expenses. If a business is in the process of applying for permit(s) related to any planned expenses, you may submit an application for a grant. However, the grant application will not be processed until the business successfully provides proof of the approved permit(s). Businesses should ensure their lease is long enough to benefit from such investment. Businesses with a lease should get required authorization from the property owner for capital expenses.Equipment Replacement – the replacement and/or upgrading of business equipment.Interior space improvements – includes furniture and fixtures and professional services related to the design and construction/alteration of the business’s built environment, as well as the actual costs for alterations.Signage and façade improvements.
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