West RGV News

The City of McAllen and the McAllen Chamber of Commerce are offering small business owners up to $5,000 in a new round of COVID-19 grants to help local businesses survive the pandemic.

Asked if the grants have been making a difference, Chamber President Steve Ahlenius said the money has been vital.

“The grants are helping businesses pay back rent, buy inventory and do other things to get their business back up and running,” he told the West RGV News.

The Chamber website said $1.5 million is available to aid small businesses that have less than $2 million in revenues. City Mayor Jim Darling was quoted on the website as saying that small business is the foundation of McAllen.

"The City of McAllen wanted to do everything it could do to have a positive impact on local small businesses during this pandemic recovery,” he said.

Grant funding can be used for a variety of purposes including the purchase of protective gear; online sales and marketing efforts; altering business locations for safety purposes; and making delayed mortgage, rent and utility payments. Businesses receiving Small Business Administration Payroll Protection Program loans are also eligible for this program.

To qualify a business must demonstrate business documentation including a Texas State ID number, employer ID and Social Security number, a 2018 or 2019 tax return, and a signed statement that the grant will be used for COVID-19 relief.  

In addition, the business agrees to an audit by the city showing the use of the funding and a draw-back if the funds are used improperly. The funding may not be used for non-pandemic purposes such as food, beverages, travel to trade shows, conferences, any cost not directly related to business survival or reopening. 

Ahlenius said there is still money available from a second round of funding and the grant period was extended.

“The city commission saw the impact the grants were having on small business and wanted to fund a second round with minor modifications,” he said. “All grants are now $5,000 and the cap was raised to $2 million gross receipts.”

Ahlenius said a third round of funding will be up to the city commission. 

“COVID-19 has impacted every business,” he said. “The goal of the program was to have the broadest possible impact and be simple, quick and easy.”    

Information can be accessed at the Chamber’s website.