Houston City Council approves allocation of $2M for grants for creative businesses impacted by COVID-19

HOUSTON – On Wednesday, Houston City Council approved the allocation of $2 million for relief grants to creative businesses that have been hurting since the start of the coronavirus pandemic. The program is open to more than 1,200 businesses previously vetted through the Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs.

Individuals are eligible for up to $1,000 grants while nonprofit organizations can apply for more than $15,000.

“These are important local businesses that have been severely impacted financially and funding for the program will come from the city’s federal CARES Act allocation,” Mayor Sylvester Turner said.

If you’re interested in applying, you can reach out to Deborah McNulty, the director of the Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs.

Small business grants

In a press conference Wednesday, Turner also said there were more than 2,000 applicants for Houston’s Small Business Economic Relief program. He said there were nearly 1,000 more applications pending, on the first day to apply.

The $15 million program, funded with the city’s allocated CARES Act funds, will provide immediate and short term assistance to small businesses and chambers of commerce that have been impacted by the pandemic. Businesses could get up to $50,000 in grant money from this program.

“We know the need is great because the virus has disrupted businesses across the country,” Turner said.

The business may use the funds for payroll, accounts payable, rent, mortgage, personal protective equipment for employees and marketing strategies, including creating an online presence and other sales alternatives. The deadline to apply will be at 11:59 p.m. Sept. 4.

The Houston Health Department also reported 349 new cases of COVID-19, bringing Houston’s total to 50,000.

Watch Mayor Sylvester Turner’s full press conference below: