The Chandler City Council has allocated monies received from the Arizona Coronavirus Aid Relief and Economic Security (AZCARES) Fund to support Chandler businesses that are keeping employees on payroll as they adjust to revenue losses and business disruptions caused by COVID-19. The “I Choose Chandler Business Hiring and Retention Program” will provide qualifying businesses with $1,300 per employee retained or hired since Dec. 31, 2019, up to a maximum of $10,000.
“We are excited to provide some financial relief to small businesses in need,” said Chandler Mayor Kevin Hartke. “Chandler businesses are adapting and finding new ways to serve our community, but we know many of them are struggling. Our hope is that this grant program will help Chandler businesses as they navigate these challenging times.”
The Arizona Community Foundation is administering the program for the City of Chandler. Starting on Aug. 17, 2020, qualifying businesses will be able to submit applications online through ACF’s website, azfoundation.org/icc. Approximately $9.5 million is available for the program and will be awarded on a first-come, first-serve basis.
The program prioritizes businesses in industries most impacted by COVID-19, based on unemployment insurance claims and state-ordered restrictions on certain business types. To qualify, businesses must meet all of the following criteria:
- Classified as operating within one of these industries, according to the North American Industry Classification System’s (NAICS) two-digit codes:
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- Accommodation and Food Services (72)
- Health Care and Social Assistance (62)
- Retail Trade (44-45)
- Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services (56)
- Manufacturing (31-33)
- Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation (71)
Businesses should visit NAICS Search to review industry descriptions and determine whether their business activity fits within one of the above industries.
- Private, for-profit business located in the City of Chandler
- 100 full-time equivalent employees or fewer, including all commonly owned/managed businesses
- Business must agree to submit a copy of its December 2019 IRS Form 941 (Employer’s Quarterly Federal Tax Return) and the latest quarter’s Form 941 showing employee hiring and retention verification
- Not affiliated with another business under common ownership/management that has applied for the job retention/hiring grant
- Is not a home-based business; business must own or lease non-residential property
- If the business leases a property, the business must commit to remain in Chandler through Dec. 31, 2020
- The business must have been in operation prior to March 11, 2020 (Date of Governor Ducey’s Emergency Declaration), and;
- Registered business with the City of Chandler
If funding remains after the initial application period closes on Sept. 7, 2020, Chandler businesses in other industries may be invited to apply. For details on the application process and its requirements, visit Arizona Foundation ICC.
About the City of Chandler:
Chandler, Ariz. has built a reputation as a Community of Innovation. Life in Chandler goes beyond a thriving and dynamic business community with progressive entrepreneurship. Known for its rich diversity, the City offers an outstanding quality of life for all generations with great schools and recreational opportunities. Chandler has grown to become the state's fourth largest City with a population of more than 265,000. Chandler has been named one of the nation's Best Places to Find a Job and Best Cities for Women in Tech. The City also is one of the safest communities in the nation and boasts AAA bond ratings from all three national rating agencies, one of only 40 communities to achieve this distinction. For more information, visit the City website, or connect with the City on social media.
About the Arizona Community Foundation:
Established in 1978, the Arizona Community Foundation is a statewide family of charitable funds supported by thousands of Arizonans. With five regional offices serving communities across Arizona, ACF is among the top 25 community foundations in the nation with more than $960 million in trust and endowment assets, and is certified under the National Standards for U.S. Community Foundations. Since inception, ACF and its affiliates have awarded more than $783 million in grants, scholarships, and loans to nonprofit organizations, schools, and government agencies. More information is available at Arizona Community Foundation.
Media contacts:
Lisa Dancsok
Arizona Community Foundation, Chief Brand and Impact Officer
602-682-2023
Stephanie Romero
City of Chandler, Public Information Officer
480-782-2231