Note: While this FAQ document provides general information on the Grant Program, the definitive provisions of the Grant Program are in the Terms and Conditions and the application for the grant program.
Why has this program been created?
The Small Business Hurricane Recovery Grant Program, (the “Grant Program”) with founding sponsor American Express, provides small business disaster recovery assistance for physical damage or economic loss due to Tropical Storm/Hurricane Helene or Hurricane Milton (the “Disaster”).
What organizations are eligible?
Below are some of the Grant Program eligibility criteria must apply to your organization:
- Have at least one physical location or online business in a primary county from U.S. Small Business Administration’s disaster declarations for the Disaster2
- Be a business or a chamber of commerce with 1-25 employees
- Have an Employer Identification Number (EIN) issued by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
- Was not a grant recipient of the U.S. Chamber Foundation’s Small Business Readiness for Resiliency Program in 2024
- Have a business bank account that accepts automated clearing house (ACH) payments
- Not be a previous recipient of a grant from the Small Business Hurricane Recovery Grant Program
- Not be owned by employees, officers, and directors of the Foundation, U.S. Chamber of Commerce, American Express, or any current Grant Program funder (“Grant Program Entities”) and any affiliated entities, and their respective immediate families (parents, spouse, children, siblings) or individuals residing in their household (whether or not related)
- Has not been selected as a previous grant recipient of the Small Business Hurricane Recovery grant program
Refer to the full list of program eligibility criteria in our Terms and Conditions.
Note that we do not fund nonprofit organizations of any type (except for chambers of commerce).
What is the process to apply for a grant?
Applicants are required to complete and submit an online grant program application and IRS form W-9. Applications must be submitted during the application period, which will begin on December 16, 2024, at 12:00 AM EST and end on January 3, 2025, at 11:59 PM EST. The application period may be extended as determined by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation in its sole discretion. There is a limit of one (1) application per applicant. Applications generated by script, macro, or other automated means or by any means which subvert the submission process are void.
We strongly recommend that you have the following documents ready before you begin the grant application:
- The IRS W-9 form that includes your business name, full business mailing address, employer identification number (EIN), signature, and date on the form.
-
A voided blank business check or signed bank letter with your business account information to verify banking details. To void a check:
- Take a blank check from your checkbook
- Write "VOID" in large letters across the front of the check in blue or black ink
- Make sure to leave the account and routing numbers visible at the bottom of the check
- Don't sign the check
How much is the grant?
Grantees will receive a grant of $5,000 to assist with their disaster recovery. For complete details, see the Terms and Conditions.
What can the grant funds be used for?
The funds can be used for business needs, including expenses such as rent, utilities, payroll, inventory, and equipment.
Does every business in an impacted region receive a grant?
No, not every business in an impacted region will receive a grant. Submitting an application for this grant program does not guarantee that your business will receive funding. Applications will be reviewed based on, among other things, their alignment with the eligibility requirements for the Grant Program and their responses to the application questions.
How do I know if my business will receive a grant?
It is anticipated that all applicants will be notified of the status of their application by February 28, 2025.
What do I have to do if I’ve been notified that my business is receiving a grant?
You will have to provide a few additional pieces of information about your business, including an attestation in the application that you have suffered a loss not covered by your insurance (can include deductibles, loss of sales, physical damage, etc.). All funds will be sent via ACH to the business banking account that you provide.
What do I have to provide after receiving a grant?
Approximately six weeks after you receive the grant, we will send you a post-grant survey that you must complete as part of your grant attestation. You should also (but you are not required to) complete Steps 1 and 2 of our Small Business Readiness for Resiliency Program. We reserve the right to require repayment of the grant if you do not fulfill applicable requirements.
If I have multiple businesses or business locations in the disaster-affected counties, can I receive more than one grant?
No, an eligible business or owner can only apply for a grant on behalf of one (1) business (regardless of how many businesses they own) and onlyreceive one $5,000 grant.
2 Businesses located in primary counties for SBA disaster declarations related to Tropical Storm Helene, Hurricane Helene, and Hurricane Milton are eligible for the program.
