Find out more about the Small Business Growth Loan Program
How much funding is available?
The JDA has up to $100,000 to distribute as a part of the Small Business Workforce Development Grant program. The minimum eligible grant request per applicant is $1,000, and the maximum is $10,000.
Can I request a grant for recently purchased inventory, training, software, equipment or facility upgrades?
No, previous purchases are not eligible. This is not a reimbursement grant. Grants can only be used to purchase new equipment, inventory or training.
Can I request the grant to pay off credit cards or loans that I used to purchase inventory, training, software, equipment or facility upgrades?
No, previous purchases are not eligible. This is not a reimbursement grant. Grants can only be used to purchase new equipment, inventory or training.
What if I do not have a lease or property tax statement in my name (as the owner) or the business name?
If you do not have a lease or property tax statement in your name (as the owner) or the business name, you are not eligible. This grant program is targeted towards established businesses with longevity (as documented with the 2 years of Occupation Tax) with the intention of remaining in Athens Clarke County or Winterville for at least 2 more years. A lease or property tax statement demonstrates this longevity.
What if I live as a roommate with someone but I am not on the lease? Can I use a utility bill or credit card statement?
No. To ensure continuity of residence, we require proof in the form of either a lease agreement or a property tax statement, as these documents demonstrate a long-term, formal connection to the residence. Unlike utility or credit card bills, which may reflect only temporary or secondary use of an address, leases and tax statements provide reliable evidence of sustained occupancy and legal responsibility for the property.
What if I do not have a quote, estimate, purchase order, or some proof of the items or services I am trying to purchase with the grant?
You must have proof of the cost of the items or services you intend to purchase. You should be able to obtain this information from the potential vendor. We will not provide funds for open-ended purchases. Funds that are determined, upon audit inspection of documentation, to have been spent on items outside of grant-eligible purposes will be clawed back (required to be paid back to the JDA).
What is a non-profit? How do I know if my business is a for-profit or non-profit?
A nonprofit organization has a legally approved purpose or social cause beyond profit generation. Its income is not distributed to its owners (such as members or shareholders).
What if I cannot provide supporting documentation upon request by the JDA demonstrating that my business experienced a negative economic impact as a result of the COVID-19 public health emergency?
You must provide adequate proof upon request by the JDA that your business experienced a negative economic impact as a result of COVID-19. Failure to do so will result in funds being clawed back (required to be paid back to the JDA)
How can I locate proof of my business license?
If you are not sure if you have paid your occupation tax for the last two years, you can locate your business name on this list of past licenses to confirm. The form requires that you upload your occupation tax certification so you will need to contact the business license office (706-613-3050) to get another copy if you have lost your previous certificates.