Valley Metro Assistance Program Pilot

Eligibility:

Tier I:

Located immediately adjacent to construction along the South Central/Downtown Hub (SCE/DH) and Northwest Extension Phase II (NWEII) light rail extension areas. “Immediately adjacent” is defined as the following for each project area:
- South Central Extension/Downtown Hub: located on or directly accessed from South Central Avenue between Washington Street and Baseline Road, 3rd Avenue Loop, 5th Avenue Loop, or McKinley Loop.
- Northwest Extension Phase II: located on or exclusively accessed from Dunlap Avenue, 25th Avenue or Mountain View Road west of 19th Avenue and east of the I-17 freeway. Businesses on the former Metrocenter Mall property are also within the boundaries.
Locally owned with 15 or fewer employees and $750,000 or less in annual revenue for the overall business.
Currently open and have been operational on the affected light rail construction alignment with posted hours of operation before the start of construction
- June 19, 2020 (SCE/DH).
- July 28, 2020 (NWEII).
Conducting business directly with consumers where transactions primarily take place at the location immediately adjacent to construction.
If requested, able to provide documentation to verify program eligibility.
- See below for a list of documents that may be requested
In good standing with all local, state, and federal taxing and licensing authorities.

Tier II:

Meet all the requirements of Tier I.
Sign a waiver releasing the City of Phoenix, Valley Metro, and any selected contractors of this program, from any claims related to revenue impacts from light rail planning, design, and construction activities.
Demonstrate a loss in revenue after the start of construction in comparison with prior to the start of construction.

Eligible businesses may receive assistance of $3,000 annually during the program. The availability/level of assistance may change from year to year.
SBFAP support may be used for business operational expenses, including rent/mortgage for business location(s), utilities, insurance, payroll, or other necessary costs tied to business operations.
Local, state, and federal taxes are not deemed eligible operating expenses for the purposes of this program.
Payment will be made directly to the qualifying business.

Eligible businesses may receive assistance of up to $9,000 annually during the program. The availability/level of assistance may change from year to year.
With their application, eligible businesses will demonstrate a loss in revenue of up to $9,000 after the start of construction when compared to before the start of construction. (The grant amount may be less than the amount requested, based on evaluation of the data and information provided).
SBFAP support may be used for business operational expenses, including rent/mortgage for business location(s), utilities, insurance, payroll, or other necessary costs tied to business operations.
Local, state, and federal taxes are not deemed eligible operating expenses for the purposes of this program.
Payment(s) will be made directly to the applicable vendors (e.g., landlord, utility company) for the qualifying businesses.