COVID-19 Relief: If you're a Delaware small business, don't miss out on this fleeting opportunity for a free website!

September 12, 2020

Do you need web services?  Don’t miss out on this opportunity to get a free website as part of Delaware's COVID-19 relief package!  If you think you’ll qualify, call us today to get started. Delaware small businesses only!

Governor Carney has just released a plan for three waves of state-sponsored grants to help small businesses adapt to COVID-19 era changes in their daily practices.  You could qualify for a sizable grant to help you improve your facility, buy new equipment, and, most importantly, launch or upgrade your website.

Disclaimer: This is not legal advice.  We encourage you to read the full documentation for the grant at https://business.delaware.gov/relief/ 

If you are considered a small business in your industry by the US Small Business Administration, and you have (or will have) sustained at least a 7.5% decrease in revenue compared to 2019, you meet the criteria for eligibility. 

Eligibility
You must meet the U.S. Small Business Administration definition of a small business for your industry.  If you qualified for a PPP loan, you will likely qualify for this grant.

Important
In 2021 when the grant is "closed out", you must submit proof of all relevant expenditures AND your 2020 federal tax return that shows at least a 7.5% revenue decrease relative to 2019. If that decrease is not shown, you'll pay back the grant with interest!

Size of Grant
The amount a business or nonprofit can receive is based upon their 2019 revenue, with the aid topping out at $100,000.

• $0-$500,000 in revenue: Up to $30,000 (6 percent of 2019 revenue)
• $500,000-$1 million: Up to $50,000 ($30,000 + 4 percent of 2019 revenue in excess of $500,000)
• $1 million-$2.5 million: Up to $72,500 ($50,000 + 1.5% of 2019 revenue in excess of $1 million)
• $2.5+ million: Up to $100,000 ($72,500 plus 1 percent of 2019 revenue in excess of $2.5 million)

Eligible expenses
You can spend the grant money on expenses you wouldn’t have incurred if COVID hadn't happened. This may include:

• Technological enhancements undertaken in order to adapt business model for COVID-19, including websites, software, equipment, etc.
• If you need a website, now is the time. Get started today.
• Equipment purchased to make your business suitable for COVID-19 safety (PPE, plexiglass, air purifiers, etc).
• Refinancing of debt incurred due to COVID-19 (including state of Delaware HELP loans).
• Advertising efforts undertaken as a result of COVID-19.
• Fixed expenses the applicant accrued during COVID-19 (e.g. rent, mortgage, utilities, insurance, etc.). Regular bills don't qualify unless they were accrued as debt due to a decrease in business suffered from COVID-19.

Bottom Line: This means if you need to get online because of COVID-19, the cost of the website will be covered.

NOT Eligible

• Lost revenue
• Payroll
• Health Insurance premiums
• Inventory expenses
• Expenses incurred during regular business

Applications for the first round open September 8.  There will be three rounds of funding.  Applications will open for the next rounds in early October and early November.

How to apply
Gather the following documents, which you will need to submit as part of your grant application:

• 2019 tax return
• Receipts for qualifying expenses
• Delaware Business License

Information and Apply online: https://business.delaware.gov/relief/  

Webinar link: https://youtu.be/WNBMFeYAp7s 

If you need to get online due to COVID-19, now is the time.
Trolley Web is a local Delaware website firm located in Wilmington's Trolley Square.  We specialize in providing websites for small to medium-sized businesses. If you need to get online due to COVID-19, start the conversation today.