Oklahoma City Small Business Continuity Program

Frequently Asked Questions

What programs are available?

Applicants will be eligible to apply for one or both of the following programs:

Up to $25,000 in a cash grant to provide reimbursements for short-term revenue losses or operational expenses tied to COVID-19 businesses disruptions or changes. Expenses include but are not limited to:

  • Payroll
  • Rent
  • Utilities
  • Franchise fees
  • Inventory carrying cost
  • Business taxes or other fees
  • Equipment lease
  • Traditional loans or mortgages
  • Other overhead

Technical assistance grants (up to $10,000 value) providing qualifying small business assistance including:

  • Accounting and bookkeeping
  • Legal support and business advisory services
  • Marketing services and website design/build

Retrofit grants (up to $25,000) for business retrofits to accommodate sanitizing requirements and social distancing measures including:

  • Cleaning and sanitizing equipment
  • Furniture and/or fixtures necessary for social distancing
  • Other physical retrofits required in response to the pandemic
Are there any businesses that are not eligible to receive assistance?
  • Non-profit organizations
  • Churches or religious organizations
  • Public or private schools
  • Adult-oriented businesses
  • Financial businesses primarily engaged in lending, such as: banks, finance companies, and factors
  • Real estate development or rental property businesses
  • Life insurance companies
  • Private clubs and businesses which limit the number of memberships for reasons other than capacity
  • Government-owned entities or offices of elected officials
  • Businesses primarily engaged in political or lobbying activities
  • Businesses involved in the manufacturing or distribution of medical marijuana
  • Businesses engaged in any illegal activity
  • Businesses with outstanding business-related liens, judgments or tax liens
  • Businesses that are delinquent on local, state, and/or federal tax obligations
  • Businesses in active default (not on a payment plan) with taxes or fees owed to the City of OKC
Are there expenses that do not qualify for reimbursement?

Non-qualifying consulting, accounting or legal services (unless covered by technical assistance program under an approved contract for services):

  • Leasehold improvements (other than permanent equipment or equipment required to meet updated safety or operational standards)
  • Expenses previously or planned to be supported by other local, State or Federal financial assistance programs including but not limited to cost previously supported by:
  • The City of Oklahoma City’s Small Business Continuity Program
  • The Oklahoma Business Relief Program
  • Small Business Administration Disaster Assistance Loans (EIDL)
  • Small Business Administration Paycheck Protection Program (PPP)
  • Other local, State or Federal programs providing COVID-19 related financial assistance (including HUD and block grants)
How are the applications reviewed and processed?

Applications will be reviewed and approved/denied on a first-in, first-out rolling basis. Program disbursement will be made via the direction of an internal review committee consisting of representatives from multiple community organizations. This panel will provide financial recommendations to the City of Oklahoma City who will provide ultimate authority and jurisdiction over the underwriting and administration of program funds and guidelines.

For program questions please contact: info@okcsmallbizhelp.com

How are the funds disbursed?

Payment of the grant funds will be made as a reimbursement for expenses incurred related to COVID-19 or as a lump sum payment if the business is able to demonstrate a loss in revenue.

How will the funding amount be determined?

Funding for the small business reimbursement program is based on actual expenses or demonstrated revenue loss.

What if I own more than one business? Can I apply for both of them?

No. You may combine businesses in order to maximize funding. Ownership will be reviewed, and only one application per owner / owner group will be accepted.

If my business has subcontractors (that file 1099, rather than a W2), should they be counted in the number of employees?

No. Independent contractors should apply for the program separately.

My business has joint ownership. Who should apply?

The application requires information for all owners. Only one application should be filled out for the business, and each owner's information should be included.

Does it matter if I have exempt or nonexempt employees or both? Full-time, part-time or both?

The employee count is based on full-time equivalents and does not consider exempt or non-exempt status.

Does the owner’s pay count towards payroll costs to be reimbursed?

Yes, if financial documentation clearly delineates and supports the owner’s salary as listed in the application.

If my business has subcontractors (that file 1099, rather than a W2), should they be counted in the number of employees

No. Independent contractors should apply for the program separately.

If I file taxes as an independent contractor or sole proprietor (schedule C and 1099s to the IRS), am I still eligible as a business?

Yes. The program is open to sole proprietors and independent contractors

Do I need to be an Oklahoma City resident?

No, but your business must be physically located within the city limits of Oklahoma City.