Emergency Business Grant Funding

As our community continues to confront the still-emerging health and economic implications of the COVID-19 crisis, small businesses throughout Las Animas County have sought to meet the sudden and emergency challenges of our community. To assist in meeting those challenges, Las Animas County announces an opportunity for small businesses (including ranchers and farmers) to apply for relief and receive funding, via the CARES Act, to address the COVID-19 emergency.

Application and Deadline Information

Applications must be received by Las Animas County no later than 3:00 p.m. on October 22, 2020. Only complete applications will be accepted, and all submissions will become the property of Las Animas County. Applications may be personally delivered to the Las Animas County Courthouse, 200 East 1st Street, Room 110, Trinidad CO. 81082, mailed to the same address or emailed to lasanimascounty@yahoo.com.

Download the Application

Awards and Disbursement of Funds

Application reviewers will determine eligibility and grant amount. Awards will depend upon the number of applicants, availability of funds, and demonstrated need. Once funding decisions are made, applicants will receive a Grant Award notification which will outline all terms and conditions of receiving the grant. Las Animas County reserves the right to offer awards different from the specified amount requested. Funds will be distributed via check after each qualifying reimbursement request, as defined in the following paragraphs, is approved. All funding decisions are final.

Grant Recipient Reporting Requirement

This grant is based solely on the reimbursement of expenditures. All receipts showing funds have been expended must be submitted prior to a reimbursement being processed. If the applicant is requesting funds that have not been spent, please include a quote for the expenditure, and receipts must be submitted to Las Animas County prior to a payment being made to the applicant.

Application

The Las Animas County Emergency Small Business Grant Fund is designed to provide a financial bridge until businesses can return to a more sustainable level of operation. As our community deals with the health and economic implications of the COVID-19 crisis, small businesses have been especially hard hit. Supporting our small business community is integral to creating jobs for our residents and bringing back the goods and services that provide us with the quality of life we value in Las Animas County.

Eligibility Criteria

• Must have a physical location in Las Animas County.
• Has been operating continuously since at least March 26, 2019, unless forced to temporarily close to comply with State and/or Local orders.
• Independently owned.
• Must be registered with the Colorado Secretary of State and be in good standing.
• Be current with required Las Animas County Personal Property Taxes.
• Businesses with more than one physical location in Las Animas County may apply for the grant program for each location. For purposes of estimating FTE’s, the FTE count shall be based only on the specific location applying for the grant.
• Marijuana industry businesses are not eligible.
• Demonstrate how funds will help return to profitability.
• Note:
  • Grant funds may not be used to pay Las Animas County Real Property taxes.
  • The CARES Act prohibits the use of grant funds to replace County revenues.
  • Requests for funding to offset property taxes will be denied.

Expenses eligible for reimbursement:

• Mortgage, lease, or rent payments for the place of business for the period in which the business was closed or at reduced capacity.
• Utility payments for the place of business for the period in which the business was closed or at reduced capacity.
• Property and liability insurance payments for the place of business for the period in which the business was closed or at reduced capacity.
• Lease payments for equipment used by the business for the period in which the business was closed or at reduced capacity.
• Any direct costs associated with COVID-19 (for example hand sanitizer, disinfecting wipes, disposable masks, to-go containers, delivery service, etc.)

Applicants will be required to submit/show:

• Receipts or quote demonstrating how grant funds will be used to address business needs caused by business interruption between March 1-November 30, 2020; and
• W-9.

Questions? Email: lasanimascounty@yahoo.com or call 719-845-2562, 2564, 2568