The Backing Small Businesses grant program, supported by American Express, is now accepting applications for a round of Disaster Recovery grants. Grant funds will support locally significant small businesses that have been impacted by a natural disaster since January 1, 2024. Businesses can now apply for one of 100 available $10,000 grants to support their recovery efforts.

Applications will be accepted until Wednesday, May 21, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. CT. 

  DETAILS AND APPLY HERE

QUICK OVERVIEW:

FEMA-Declared Disasters Impacting Louisa County

1. Tropical Storm Helene (DR-4831-VA)

   - Incident Period: September 25 – October 3, 2024

   - Declaration Date: October 1, 2024

2. Severe Winter Storms and Flooding (DR-4863-VA)

   - Incident Period: February 10 – February 18, 2025

   - Declaration Date: April 4, 2025

Eligibility Requirements

• Business must be located in Louisa County and affected by one of the above FEMA-declared disasters.
• Must have been in operation before January 1, 2024.
• Must operate from a brick-and-mortar storefront located in a historic or traditional commercial district.
• Must have fewer than 20 full-time employees.
• Business must be in good standing with the Virginia SCC.
• Owner must be over 18 years of age.
• Not eligible if the business is home-based, mobile, a franchise, or nonprofit.
• Cannot have previously received an American Express disaster grant for the same incident.

Eligible Expenses Include

• Physical repairs: signage, shelving, lighting, etc.
• Marketing: website development, advertising campaigns.
• Technology: POS systems, e-commerce tools.
• Operations: payroll, rent, utilities.
• Inventory or equipment replacement.
• Community engagement activities.
• Cleanup and resiliency: mold removal, solar power, flood protections.

Ineligible Expenses

• Loan or debt repayment.
• Businesses not directly impacted by the disasters.
• Home-based or non-physical location businesses.

Key Application Dates

• Application Opens: May 7, 2025, 10:00 AM ET
• Application Deadline: May 21, 2025, 12:59 AM ET
• Spending Deadline: September 30, 2025
• Final Report Due: October 15, 2025

Required Documents

• Photos or other documentation showing disaster-related damage or business loss.
• FEMA disaster code: DR-4831-VA or DR-4863-VA.
• Certificate of Good Standing from the Virginia SCC.
• Recent tax return (reference only).
• Business license (required for sole proprietors).

How to Apply

Visit: https://www.mainstreet.org/backingsmallbusinesses

Create a Submittable account and complete the eligibility and application forms before May 21, 2025.