Micro-E Grant Pre-Screening Questionnaire

Thank you for using this pre-screening tool. This is only the first step in a multi-step process. It is intended to ensure that when you complete the grant application, you will meet the eligibility requirements and have all the documents that are needed to move forward. Having the documents pulled together for the application is important. If your application is submitted without key materials, your application will be voided.
The City of Providence has accessed additional Federal CARES Act funding to offer a Micro-enterprise Grant and partnered with the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) Rhode Island to implement the program. The grant is designed to assist small enterprises that have been impacted by COVID-19 and provide up to $10,000 for qualifying businesses. Funds may be used for working capital to cover business costs such as rent, staffing and utilities. 

To qualify, you must be a business entity in Providence with no more than five employees, and one of the employees must be an owner. The business owner's total household income must be 80% or less of the Area Median Income (AMI) as shown on line 8 of your tax returns. For Providence, that amount ranges from $48,750 to $91,900, depending on family size (For one person, the income limit is $48,750; for two people, the income limit is $55,700; for three people, the income limit is $62,650; etc. Please check here).

In addition to these income qualifications, businesses must also be:
  • A for-profit entity (sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation or LLC)
  • Be physically located in Providence
  • Provide goods or services to multiple clients or customers
  • Be in good standing with the State and the City of Providence (be current on taxes; maintain active and valid State licenses, if applicable; and not be a party to litigation involving the State or Providence.)
  • Be able to document a loss of income of at least $1,000 due to COVID-19
  • Have been established in 2019 or earlier
  • Have annual gross revenue greater than $25,000 as documented on 2018 or 2019 tax returns
  • Not listed as an excluded business category
Several categories of businesses that are not eligible to apply include: 
  • Cannabis-related businesses
  • Real estate rentals/sales business
  • Businesses owned by persons under age 18*
  • Businesses that are franchises or chains
  • Liquor stores
  • Weapons/firearms dealers
  • Lobbyists
  • Persons operating as independent consultants/contractors and providing services to a single entity
  • Home-based businesses that are restricted to patrons below the age of 18.

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* 1. Do you certify that you meet income restrictions for this program, specifically that you are at or below Area Median Income for Providence based on your family size.

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* 2. Are you a resident of Providence?

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* 3. Do you certify that your business is not engaged in industries specifically excluded by this program, including: 
  • Cannabis-related business
  • real estate rentals/sales
  • home-based business with no employees
  • business owned by persons under age 18
  • a chain or franchise
  • liquor store
  • weapons/firearms dealers
  • lobbying firm
  • independent consultant/contractor providing services to one entity
  • home-based business restricted to patrons below age 18

If you answered YES to all three questions, you may be eligible for the grant and are invited to submit your application through our secure website: (http://rilisc.org/application-documents-required-for-the-providence-micro-e-grant-program/) These documents should be completed and uploaded to the secure link provided on the application page, or emailed to PVDcdbg@lisc.org. 

If you answered no to any of the above questions, we are sorry, but you are not eligible for this grant program. If you do not meet these criteria and are looking for further assistance and other resources, please call (401) 521-HELP (4357).

LISC Rhode Island will conduct an independent review of the application and documents on a first-come, first-served basis. Once you have completed your application, LISC will begin to evaluate your eligibility and then forward recommendations to the City for final disbursement. You will need to file your complete application for consideration and LISC will process completed applications in the order they are received until the grant pool is fully subscribed.

Unfortunately, LISC is unable to respond directly to questions, but there is a Frequently Asked Questions Webinar located through this link: https://www.facebook.com/784956038303089/videos/380081016479042

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