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State of Nebraska Expands Options for Grants to Small Businesses Affected by COVID-19 Pandemic – New Deadline of July 17

Nebraska has re-opened and expanded its program by which certain small businesses will be eligible for grants from the state to help address the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Businesses can begin applying immediately with a deadline of July 17, 2020.

Most businesses with 75 or fewer employees will be eligible. The number of employees is based on head count and not full-time equivalents. The initial program was limited to businesses with at least five and no more than 49 employees, so businesses with fewer than five and from 50 to 75 employees should reexamine the option of applying. Certain classes of businesses are excluded (see below). Applicants must be able to demonstrate a negative economic impact due to the pandemic.

Sole proprietors (one employee) are eligible so long as the business has withheld taxes for said employee as of March 13, 2020.

Funds can be used for working capital and for operating expenses not otherwise covered by insurance or other assistance programs.

Businesses excluded include:

Mining
Utilities
Finance and Insurance
Management of businesses
Education
Public administration
Lobbying
Businesses delinquent on Nebraska taxes
Businesses debarred or suspended from federal programs

The grants will not be awarded competitively but will be awarded to eligible applicants on a first-come first-serve basis. It is anticipated that each eligible business will receive a minimum of $12,000.

The website for the program is here. Frequently asked questions are here. The application process can be begun here.

Please call your Vandenack Weaver attorney at 402-504-1300 or [email protected] for more information.