BLOCK GRANTS

Businesses can get reimbursement for expenses including rent and up to three months of utility costs, or payroll expenses to hire or replace employees choosing not to work because of the pandemic.

ployees, including the owner, or with a payroll less than $1.5 million at the end of 2019 are eligible for grant funding. Applicants must provide proof of the economic impact due to COVID-19 resulting in a loss of income due to canceled contracts, closure, reduced business hours, care for sick family or employee resignations.

To be eligible, the business must be in operation at least a year from the date of application. Business or employee income must meet HUD median income limits for Milford and the business must have its principal operations located in Milford.

Businesses must be current on all federal, state and local tax obligations. To ensure the goals are met, recipients are required to provide brief quarterly reports on business activity, job creation and growth for a one-year period after the assistance.

Allowable expenses to qualify for reimbursement include rent and up to three months of utility costs, or payroll expenses to hire or replace employees choosing not to work due to COVID-19 related circumstances. Equipment and safety materials including sanitizer stations and personal protective equipment also are reimbursable, as are professional cleaning services, delivery services and job training to expand the skills of employees.