City of York 3E Grant Program: Education, Empowerment & Enhancement
3E GRANT PROGRAM GUIDELINES
Eligible small business owners may be awarded $1,500 through the City of York 3E Grant Program. This grant program is intended to increase the operating capacity of small businesses owned by minorities, women, and people with disabilities through education and job training, empowerment and professional development, and enhancements to business operations – 3E’s. Applications will open biannually allowing a total of 13 awards each year or until ARPA funding allocated to this grant is expended.
Applications for this year will be accepted beginning Monday, April 3, 2023.
Eligibility:
The City’s ARPA grant programs are designed to support residents, organizations, programs, and activities that benefit City of York residents and community. Per the Final Rule, the U.S. Treasury recognizes small businesses located within a Qualified Census Tract (QCT) area as disproportionately impacted and eligible to receive funding for this program. Qualifying expenses must be related to the following: Education (classes, certificates, training), Empowerment (retreats, workshops, coaching), and Enhancement (new software, products, equipment) for business owners and/or their employees to promote business growth and stability.
The City of York is required by law to obtain the following information from all grant program applicants. This information is used by the City to determine the eligibility of the applicant under US Housing and Urban Development Department (HUD) guidelines. You must meet all eligibility criteria and submit ALL the required documentation to be considered for the grant. The information you provide on this form will be kept confidential. Incomplete applications will not be accepted.
See below for additional eligibility requirements and a list of required application documents:
- Business majority must be owned by a minority, woman, or person with a disability.
- Earn $500,000 or less in annual gross revenues.
- Must be registered, licensed, and in good standing on all City taxes and obligations.
- Business must be physically located within a QCT in the City of York.
- No owners have been convicted of financial crimes within the past three years.
- Eligible costs must occur within a year of receiving grant funds.
- Completed applications must be submitted by 5 p.m. April 28th, 2023.
Required application documents:
- Fully completed 3E grant application submitted by the deadline.
- Proof of address to confirm location within the City of York (e.g., utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, etc.)
- Proof of completed New Business Start Up registration with the City of York
- Proof of York Adams Tax Bureau Business Privilege e.g., Mercantile Tax License
- One fiscal year bank statement for the organization
- Federal Tax Identification Number (EIN)
- Business bank account Information or personal account if Sole Proprietor
- Current copy of IRS W-9 Tax Form
- Copy of 2022 Individual Tax Returns
- Schedule C and Profit and Loss statements for business
- M/W/DBE certifications (if available)
- Articles of Incorporation (if available)
- Completed Statement of Goals and Outcomes to include all costs to be spent, both from this grant and any matching or business-supplied funds. Please explain the nature of the training, class, or equipment desired and describe how it will Empower, Educate, or Enhance your staff and/or business operations.
- Self-Certification Form (completed within the application)
- City Agreement (if awarded grant funds)
- Monitoring & Compliance (if awarded grant funds)
Ineligible Costs
- Contributions to rainy day funds, financial reserves, or similar funds.
- The purchase of an already existing business.
- Payment of interest or principal on outstanding debt instruments.
- Expenses reimbursed or eligible for reimbursement through any other contract or agreement with the City, including but not limited to City Small Business Assistance previously administered or CARES Act funding.
- Not for use on enhancements to physical space or bills for business operations.
Preferential Consideration
While all applications will be reviewed at the same standard, priority will be given to those that fulfill all the eligibility requirements AND achieve the following:
- Community Collaboration: Demonstrated commitment to community growth by splitting training costs, shared enrollment in training courses (as allowed), utilizing York city based training or other 3E related opportunities. This partnership must be clearly outlined in the application packet including acknowledgement of plans from the partner organization(s).
Note: Priority is given to applicants who have not previously received awards in the 3E program, but re-application is permitted.
Grant Program FAQ’S
What is the 3E grant program?
This grant program is intended to increase the operating capacity of small businesses through education and job training, empowerment and professional development, and enhancements to business operations – 3E’s. Applications will open biannually allowing a total of 13 awards each year. Additional eligibility requirements can be found here.
How do I apply?
Interested business owners can apply by visiting www.yorkcity.org/grants and clicking apply now. You’ll be rerouted to the grant application hosted on OpenGov.
How will I know if I am current on my city obligations?
To find out if you are current on all of your city obligations including taxes, permits, licenses and fees, please contact the York City Treasurer at 717-849-2281 for tax information, and the City of York Bureau of Permits and Inspections at 717-849-2256 for permits and licenses.
Where would I find my “Business Registration” or York Area Tax Bureau information?
If you registered your business with the City of York, you would have paid a fee of $35 either online or in-person. Your Business Privilege Mercantile Tax will be on record with the York Area Tax Bureau.
What happens after I submit my application?
If determined eligible, program administrators will contact you regarding next steps in the process.
How will I know when I am approved?
Program administrators will contact you regarding your approval and necessary next steps. No phone calls will be accepted.
How long does the entire process take?
The application period will close April 28th at 5 p.m. Once the application period closes, applicants will be contacted regarding approval status. The entire process may take 90 days or more.
What documents do I need to include with my application?
- Fully completed 3E grant application submitted by the deadline.
- Proof of address to confirm location within the City of York (e.g. utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, etc.)
- Proof of completed New Business Start Up registration with the City of York
- Proof of York Adams Tax Bureau Business Privilege e.g., Mercantile Tax License
- One fiscal year bank statement for the organization
- Federal Tax Identification Number (EIN)
- Business bank account Information or personal account if Sole Proprietor
- Current copy of IRS W-9 Tax Form
- Copy of 2022 Individual Tax Returns
- Schedule C and Profit and Loss statements for business
- M/W/DBE certifications (if available)
- Articles of Incorporation (if available)
- Completed Statement of Goals and Outcomes to include all costs to be spent, both from this grant and any matching or business-supplied funds. Please explain the nature of the training, class, or equipment desired and describe how it will Empower, Educate, or Enhance your staff and/or business operations.
- Self-Certification Form (completed within the application)
- City Agreement (if awarded grant funds)
- Monitoring & Compliance (if awarded grant funds)
What if I have a problem uploading my information?
If you encounter problems uploading supporting documents or with the application in general, please contact the City of York Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD), Deb Painter at 717-849-2264 or dpainter@yorkcity.org.
