New Assistance Program available for self-employed businesses
Gov. Chris Sununu has authorized the allocation and expenditure of CARES Act Coronavirus Relief Funds ("flex funds") to provide emergency financial relief to support New Hampshire self-employed, for-profit businesses due to the economic disruption caused by COVID-19.
Applications for the program will be accepted from July 6 to July 17
.
The Self Employed Livelihood Fund is only available to businesses that apply by July 17, 2020. Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted. All businesses who feel as though they are eligible should submit an application; however, only businesses that meet all of the Self Employed Livelihood Fund grant criteria are eligible to receive an award.
The Self Employed Livelihood Fund grant award amounts will be calculated similarly to the Main Street Relief Fund, with the maximum award amount a business can receive is $50,000.
The State of New Hampshire is not directing businesses on how to spend the money. Businesses must demonstrate they have experienced or anticipate they will experience a financial loss due to COVID-19 in order to qualify for a Self Employed Livelihood Fund Grant. It is expected that businesses will use the funds to assist in covering their operational costs and legal obligations.
The Application must be completed and submitted by 4 p.m. on Friday, July 17, 2020, using only the Department of Revenue Administration (DRA) web portal. No hand-delivered or mailed paper copies will be accepted. It is recommended that applications be finalized as early as possible before the deadline. Businesses that require assistance from the DRA may contact the Call Center at (603) 230-5000, Option 0, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.
