Local COVID-19 Business Assistance

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.)
• Employ 1 to 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 (PDF) for income limits.
• Be in good standing with the state and town:
  • Be current on all taxes due through March 1, 2020
  • Active and valid state licenses/registrations, if applicable
  • 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 (PDF) for additional requirements and questions and answers.

Excluded Business Types

• Businesses owned by persons under age 18
• Businesses that are franchises or chains
• Cannabis‐related businesses
• Home‐based businesses that are restricted to patrons below the age of 18
• Home‐based businesses with no employees
• Liquor stores
• Lobbyists
• Persons operating as independent consultants/contractors and providing services to a single entity
• Real estate rentals/sales businesses
• Weapons/firearms dealers

Required Documentation

• Business tax returns (2018 or 2019)
• Copies of payrolls for most recent pay period and pay period ending on/before March 7, 2020
• Copies of receipts for impacted period in 2020 (e.g. March, April), and same period in 2018, 2019
• 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)

Apply

If you are interested in applying for funding through the MicroE program, or have questions, please contact Ron Wolanski, Town Planner, by email (preferred) or at 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.