Many local businesses have already submitted applications for CARES Act Relief funds, but small businesses who have not may now want to consider doing so, due to changes in the eligibility requirements. The City of Carlsbad has been allocated federal funds by the State of New Mexico to provide eligible businesses with grants to reimburse necessary expenses incurred from March 1 through December 30 because of the public health emergency caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Carlsbad Department of Development has been managing the application process for these funds. The CDOD is also managing a similar program for Eddy County businesses operating outside of city limits. This grant program does not fix the problems our small businesses are facing, but it does help. We want to make sure that Southeastern New Mexico businesses get their fair share.
The original deadline for these applications was Oct. 16. However, because the state has recently changed some of its eligibility criteria, the deadline to apply for grant money has now been moved to Oct. 30.
If your business has already submitted this grant application, you may want to review the new changes to see if you need to amend it. Additionally, some small businesses who may have originally not been eligible are now eligible to apply.
Here’s what has changed:
- There are no longer restrictions related to your business start date. Previously, a business had to be in business before March 1, 2019 to qualify.
- Spoiled consumables, such as food purchased by a restaurant, can now be included in the request.
- All COVID-related construction costs can now be included in the request. Previously, only temporary construction costs could be included.
- Sole proprietorships are not required to have a “Certificate of Good Standing” through the Secretary of State’s Office.
These changes are positive in that they allow more of our local businesses an opportunity to apply for grants. However, it is confusing bacause they are being made weeks after the process started. If you have any questions at all about whether you should amend a previous application or now apply, please contact the Carlsbad Department of Development at (575) 887-6562. The application form can be completed online at https://www.developcarlsbad.org/news-and-media/covid-19-resources
Speaking of small businesses, we wish to congratulate Bill and Wanda Deringer on their retirement. The Deringers ran EZ Rentals & Sales for 36 years. The good news is that this Carlsbad small business has new owners and will continue to serve the community. Congratulations to everyone involved.
Sincerely,
Carlsbad Mayor Dale Janway