Beginning February 1st, The Merchants Fund will be receiving applications for two different kinds of grants, Stabilization and Emergency Grants
STABILIZATION GRANTS
• Purpose of Stabilization Grant:
o Funding for specific projects or assets used to stabilize or grow the business
o Up to $10,000
• 3 grant cycles:
o Winter – Applications open February 1st to February 28th. Grant decisions and
disbursements made by March 31st.
o Spring – Applications open May 1st to May 31st. Grant decisions and
disbursements made by June 30th.
o Summer – Applications open Aug 1st to August 31st. Grant decisions and
disbursements made by September 30th
EMERGENCY GRANTS
- Purpose: Funding to assist in emergency or disaster situations such as floods, fires, or extended business interruption due to public works projects
o Up to $10,000
• Applications reviewed as submitted
• Grants made pending available funding
BUSINESS ELIGIBILITY CHECKLIST
o Located in Philadelphia
o Independently Owned and Operated
o In operations for a minimum of two years
o Is the owner’s primary source of income
o Operates a storefront or physical location (food trucks and kiosks are eligible)
o Is in compliance with all federal, state, and local taxes (or on an approved payment
plan)
o Has the required federal, state, and local licenses and permits to operate legally
o Has been in current operations for the last 90 days and plans to continue operating
o Made no less than $75,000 in total sales (also known as revenues) in the last tax year
and no more than $750,000 in the last tax year
o Must be able to show a financial need for the potential grant.
REQUIRED DOCUMENT CHECKLIST
o Signed W-9 for business
o 2022 Federal Tax Return for Business or 2022 Profit & Loss Statement
o 2021 Federal Tax Return for Business
o 2023 Interim Profit & Loss Statement
o 2022 Personal Federal Tax Return (if available)
o 2021 Personal Federal Tax Return
For more information contact Steve Kuzmicki at steven@southwestcdec.org
