Town of Falmouth & Falmouth EDIC COVID-19 Micro-Enterprise Assistance Program

Program Overview & Application Process

The Falmouth Select Board, working in partnership with the Falmouth EDIC (Economic Development and Industrial Corporation), seeks applicants for a Micro-Enterprise Assistance Program. The funding is provided by the Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCS) for the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program and allows for grants up to $10,000 to support low to moderate income Business Owners of micro-enterprises in Falmouth that have been negatively impacted by COVID-19 business interruptions.


Eligibility to Qualify for a Grant

  • The Business must be able to document a loss of income due to COVID-19 since March 2020 that is equal to or greater than the requested grant assistance.

  • The Business Owner(s) household income cannot be more than 80% of the average Median Household Income (AMI) for Barnstable County as shown in the table below. Example: If you have 3 persons over the age 18 in your household, then the combined Adjusted Gross Income as shown on IRS Form 1040 from all members of the household cannot be more than $69,600 to qualify for the grant.

    Note: If a Business Owner does not reside in Barnstable County, then the median income will apply. Please click here to locate the Town you reside in and to identify the Regional Income Guideline Table for your residency.

Barnstable County

Family Size 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
80% AMI $54,150 $61,850 $69,600 $77,300 $83,500 $89,700 $95,900 $102,050

  • If your 2019 household income was too high but you think your 2020 income will qualify, then you can submit your 2020 W2 or 1099s or other documentation of 2020 income when you fill out the Application.

  • Business must be for-profit, sole proprietor, partnership, corporation, or LLC.

  • Business must have 5 or fewer FT and/or PT employees (both W-2 and 1099) including the owner at the time of application.

  • Business must be currently in operation and established prior to 10/1/2019.

  • Business must have a DBA or incorporated business address in Falmouth.

  • Business must provide goods or services to multiple clients or customers.

  • Annual gross sales of business must be less than $1.5 million per year in 2019.

  • Business must be in good standing with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the Town of Falmouth and being current on all taxes as of date of your application for the grant.

  • Businesses must have valid state and local licenses and registrations needed to operate and not be party to any litigation involving the Commonwealth of Massachusetts or the Town of Falmouth.

  • Businesses cannot be one of the following: Real estate rental or sales business, owned by a person under the age of 18, multi-owned store franchises/chains, liquor stores, weapons or firearms dealers, lobbyists, cannabis related businesses, tobacco sales (as the primary business), adult entertainment and social clubs.


Use of Grant Funds

Grant funds may be used to cover business operating costs such as:

  • Rent

  • Payroll

  • Utilities

  • Purchase of PPE or other items necessary to operate in compliance with COVID-related government issued guidelines and regulations.

  • Professional services or technical assistance for items like website upgrades, marketing that can be directly related to dealing with COVID-19.

Grant funds may not be used for:

  • Major equipment purchases

  • Purchase of real property

  • Construction activities

  • Business expansion

  • Lobbying

  • Repayment of loans

  • Any expenses that were already paid for with other public or private COVID relief funds as identified in the Duplication of Benefits Certification.


Application Process

HELP: If you do not have access to a computer or internet and need to file a paper application, or if you wish to schedule a telephone or Zoom conference for assistance, contact the Falmouth EDIC at info@FalmouthEDIC.org or 508-548-7440.

IMPORTANT: An Application is not complete until the entire application is completed and all required supporting documentation is submitted.

To ensure that grant funds are provided to the Falmouth Business Owners as soon as possible, the Falmouth EDIC will review all Completed Applications on a rolling first come, first served basis and when an Application is determined to be approved, awards will be dispersed in the same manner. Note that final eligibility and consideration for a grant award is only determined based upon verification of the documentation supplied in the Application Package.

Those whose Applications are incomplete will be given the opportunity to supply the missing information and if received before all the grant funds are awarded, will be eligible to receive consideration if grant funds remain available.


Notice of Grant Award

Applicants will receive notice of grant award by email along with instructions for next steps which will include completing the Program Assistance Agreement and Certifications.

Applicants who did not meet all eligibility criteria after review of their completed Applications and supporting documents will also be notified by email.

On occasion, the Falmouth EDIC might reject applications despite a completed Full Application. Reasons for this may include lack of program funds and factors that suggest the borrower might not meet the program requirements.