The new Travis County Thrive program will provide grants of up to $40,000 for eligible businesses that have been financially impacted by the coronavirus pandemic.

To meet eligibility guidelines, businesses must meet the following qualifications:

• Business is located in Travis County but not within the Austin city limits
• Have not received assistance from any other local program for the same expenses
• Small businesses with fewer than 25 employees and less than $500,000 net revenue
• In operation since March 1, 2019
• Other eligibility requirements as listed on the program website

To determine eligibility, businesses should review the program guidelines and access the pre-eligibility questionnaire on the program website at traviscountythrive.com. The pre-eligibility launches on June 15 and closes on July 3. Following the pre-eligibility period, qualifying businesses will be contacted to fill out the complete application. In order to participate in this program, businesses must complete the pre-eligibility questionnaire no later than July 3.

Grants will be administered on a reimbursement basis for eligible costs incurred from March 1, 2020, to November 30, 2020. Eligible uses include store or warehouse rent or lease payments, business property purchase or lease, new or expanded technology, business utilities, supplier and vendor payments, payroll, employee COVID-19 testing and PPE and sanitation supplies.

“The Travis County Commissioners Court understands that in a crisis like COVID-19, every little bit helps,” said Travis County Judge Sam Biscoe. “I am confident the grant funding from the Travis County Small Business Grant Program will help put small businesses on the path to recovery.”

Nonprofit economic development organization BCL of Texas will administer this program. Businesses who participate in Travis County Thrive will work with BCL’s small business coaches to create a Business Continuity Plan and will receive no-cost business coaching throughout the program period.

What expenses can be reimbursed?

• Rent, lease or mortgage payment for real property used for business purposes, like storefront or warehouse
• Rent, lease or purchase payment for business property (e.g., delivery vehicle; food truck; kitchen equipment; technology, payment, and communications systems and equipment)
• New or expanded technology applications and WiFi services
• Utility payments for business properties
• Supplier and Vendor payments
• PPE, sanitation supplies and equipment, testing for employees
• Eligible Taxes and Fees (specifics to be identified in the invoicing materials)
• Payroll expenses