Planning Department
Local COVID-19 Business Assistance
“Take it Outside” Grant Program
The Town is participating in the State’s Take it Outside grant program. The Town will distribute available funding on first-come, first-served basis for eligible expenses, such as tents and propane heaters. Interested business owners should complete the application form and submit it via email to rwolanski@middletownri.com or mail to the address on the form. Please contact the Planning Department at (401) 849-4027 with any questions.
Microenterprise (MicroE) Stabilization Grant Program
The Town of Middletown is participating in the Microenterprise (MicroE) Stabilization Grant Program offered through the state’s Office of Housing and Community Development for small businesses impacted by COVID-19. Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds are available to offer grants of $5,000 to qualifying small businesses located in Middletown. Funds may be used for working capital to cover business costs, such as rent, staffing, utilities. The following eligibility requirements apply:
Eligibility requirements:
The business must:
- Be physically located in Middletown. (Other towns are also participating. Please contact the town where your business is located. A list of participating towns and contact information is available here.)
- Employ 1-5 people, including the owner (as of March 3, 2020).
- Be a for-profit entity.
- Be owned by a low‐ or moderate‐income person(s). See program summary flyer here for income limits.
- Be in good standing with the state and town:
a. Be current on all taxes due through 3/1/2020
b. Active and valid state licenses/registrations, if applicable
c. Not a party to litigation involving the state or town - Be able to document a loss of income of at least $1,000 due to COVID‐19
- Have annual gross revenues greater than $25,000
- See the eligibility form here for additional requirements and Q&A.
Excluded business types:
cannabis‐related businesses;
real estate rentals/sales businesses;
home‐based businesses with no employees;
businesses owned by persons under age 18;
businesses that are franchises or chains;
liquor stores;
weapons/firearms dealers;
lobbyists;
persons operating as independent consultants/contractors and providing services to a single
entity;
home‐based businesses that are restricted to patrons below the age of 18;
Required documentation:
• Driver’s License or State-Issued Photo ID
• Personal tax returns for owner and all adults filing separately in the owner’s household (2018 or 2019)
• Business tax returns (2018 or 2019)
• Copies of payrolls for most recent pay period and pay period ending on/before 3/7/2020
• Copies of receipts for impacted period in 2020 (e.g. March, April), and same period in 2018, 2019
If you are interested in applying for funding through the MicroE program, or have questions, please contact Ron Wolanski, Town Planner, at rwolanski@middletownri.com (preferred) or (401) 849-4027. Please note that an application will not be accepted until a phone interview is conducted with the potential applicant to confirm eligibility.
Potential applicants are encouraged to review the materials provided below.