Application Deadline: Friday, May 6, 2022 at 2:00 pm
Introduction
The American Rescue Plan (ARPA) of 2021 was signed into law by President Biden on March 11, 2021. The
legislation established the Coronavirus-19 State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund (SLFRF) which is intended to
support state and local governments as the address the health and economic impacts of COVID-19 on their
communities, residents and businesses.
According to guidance issued by the US Department of Treasury, “Fiscal Funds must be used in one of four eligible
use categories specified in the ARPA and implemented in the Interim Final Rule, which includes “responding to the
public health emergency or its negative economic impacts, including assistance to households, small businesses
and nonprofits, or to impact industries such as tourism, travel and hospitality.”
Small businesses were heavily impacted by COVID-19, experiencing large losses of revenue and additional costs for
PPE, outfitting and other expenses. In communities like Brookfield, these small businesses often do not have the
means to easily or quickly recover.
At a Special Town Meeting on Tuesday, March 29, 2022 Brookfield voters approved a $200,000 grant to fund small
businesses negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Town is now seeking applications and encourages
small business owners to submit an application to help offset their losses.
Eligible businesses may apply for grants up to $5,000. Funding is limited and not all businesses approved for
participation will receive the maximum amount. A business may submit only one application.
Eligibility
The eligibility requirements for assistance under this program are:
1. An applicant must be a Brookfield based business that is physically located and registered with the Town of
Brookfield.
2. Non-profit organizations with a determination letter showing their 501(c)3 exempt status may apply. These
funds can only be used to support non-religious activities such as providing for the needy in our community.
3. Must have an annual gross revenue prior to the COVID-19 pandemic of less than $1,000,000.
4. The business must currently be in operation and open for business.
5. Applicants must be in good standing and current on its federal, state and local tax obligations and have no liens
or judgements.
The business must be able to demonstrate satisfactorily that it has been negatively impacted by the COVID-19
pandemic and that funding will enable the business to continue to operate. The business must have a clear and
specific use for the grant money and the grant money can only be used toward future expenditures. In addition to
program requirements, grants will be based on a number of factors including the the continued viability of the
business enterprise and the degree to which the business has been impacted by the pandemic. The proposed use
of the funds must include, but not limited to: payroll, mortgage interest, rent, utilities, costs associated with
compliance with health measures and construction of outdoor dining area. The committee will also consider the
extent to which the business has received other assistance.
