PRESS RELEASE: City of Seguin Launches Grant Program for Small Businesses Impacted by COVID-19

Seguin, TX, May 5, 2020 – The City of Seguin has developed the Seguin Strong Stimulus Program (SSSP), a Small Business Emergency Grant aimed to assist small businesses within the city limits during the COVID-19 pandemic. Approved by the Seguin City Council, the SSSP is a local economic development program authorized under Chapter 380 of the Texas Local Government Code to help ease the economic strain on local businesses. The program will provide $250,000 in grants through a review committee partnership between the City of Seguin, the Seguin Economic Development Corporation, and the Seguin Main Street & CVB. 

On May 5, 2020, in response to COVID-19 (Coronavirus), the Seguin City Council authorized the Seguin Strong Stimulus Program (SSSP) to assist businesses negatively affected by the pandemic. 

Small Seguin businesses that are independently owned and operated with between 2 – 75 employees and have experienced or are projected to experience a decline in revenue are eligible to apply. Eligible industries may include, but are not limited to, retail (storefront), food and beverage; personal care (barber shop, nail salons, spas, etc.), health/wellness, and entertainment venues. National chains, regional chains with 6 or more locations in Texas, financial institutions, RV parks, apartment complexes, home-based businesses, permanently closed businesses, and non-profit organizations are not eligible to apply. Additionally, businesses must meet the following criteria to receive up to $5,000 in grant funding.  

• Physical and publicly accessible location within the City of Seguin (no home-based businesses); 

• City of Seguin utility customer (electric, water, and/or wastewater); 

• In good standing with the City of Seguin with respect to licensing, permits, and utility payments; 

• Registered with the Texas Comptroller’s Office as a sales tax revenue generating business for the City of Seguin; 

• Engaged in activities that are legal under city and state law; 

• Must meet program technical requirements including ability to provide financial records and other relevant documents to support grant request. 

"Even though we have slowly started the process of reopening certain establishments within the State of Texas and the City of Seguin, the negative impacts of the COVID-19 Pandemic on small businesses will continue to be felt” said Mayor Keil.? “Small Businesses are a vital component of Seguin's economy. We hope that the Seguin Strong Stimulus Program?will help provide some relief to small businesses in our community." 

The Seguin Strong Stimulus Program will open on Wednesday, May 6, 2020 at 8:00 a.m. Applications must be submitted by May 13, 2020 in order to be considered. Complete guidelines and online applications will be available at info.seguinedc.com/sssp.