CITY OF ANTIOCH Small Business Programs

Programs Overview

Small Business Grants

Facade Upgrade Program

Frequently Asked Questions

Tutorial Videos

Program Overview

The City of Antioch and FORWARD are partnering together to offer 2 programs to benefit small businesses in the City of Antioch funded by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).

1) Small Business Grant Program

This program will provide a grant payment ranging from $5,000 to $15,000 for eligible small businesses who have experienced a negative financial impact due to the Covid 19 Pandemic. Grant money can be used for the following:

  • Overhead costs.
  • Costs associated with remaining open, and meeting required safety protocols.
  • Costs adjusting operations to respond to new methods of providing services.
  • Rent relief or payment of back utilities.
  • Costs to retain employees (i.e. payroll, sick leave, etc.).
  • Marketing and promotional events.
2) Facade Upgrade Program
This program will provide eligible facade upgrade reimbursement payment ranging from $5,000 to $25,000 for eligible small businesses who have experienced a negative financial impact from the Covid 19 Pandemic. Please see list of eligible and ineligible work outlined in the FAQ below. 
 
NEED SUPPORT? 
If you need help with this online application, please email us at Antioch-support@livestories.zendesk.com or call us at 1-855-582-3973.

SMALL BUSINESS GRANTS

Apply

ELIGIBILITY - Small Business Grants

Businesses must meet all of the following criteria to be eligible for the Small Business Grant:

Definition of Loss:

  • Loss Equation: SALES – COST = 0 or Negative
  • Explanation: When a company’s total sales revenue is less than the total costs incurred to produce those goods or services, resulting in a negative value or breaking even (0), the business experiences a loss.
  • To verify your business operating address is within Antioch City limits please click here.
  • If your business has an active unresolved code enforcement issue with the City of Antioch the business is not considered in good standing. 
  • Private corporations, LLC’s, limited partnerships, Sole Proprietors and nonprofit organizations are all encouraged to apply.
  • Payroll documentation will be required with application submission. 
  • Must provide 2019, 2020 and 2021 tax returns to demonstrate financial loss of 1% or greater due to the Covid 19 pandemic. These documents need to be submitted either with application or during application review. 
  • Businesses w/ more than 25 employees.
  • Businesses w/out a physical storefront (exception for in home childcare services).
    • In home childcare facilities do not need to provide a City of Antioch Business License if they are providing care for 12 or less children. 
  • Businesses operating outside of Antioch city limits.
  • Lending/investment institutions and insurance companies.
  • Gambling facilities.
  • Franchises with more than 3 locations within city limits.
  • Businesses engaged in illegal activity.
  • Subcontractors under primary license, such as in a salon.
  • Home-based businesses.
  • Shopping centers (however shopping centers ARE eligible for Facade Reimbursement).
  • This grant is released in multiple cohorts, however, no business can apply for more than one cohort.
  • Criteria: A minimum loss of 23% between the years 2019 and 2021.
  • Consideration: All applicants with losses between 20-23% will be reconsidered in Cohort 2.
  • Criteria: A minimum loss of 23% between the years 2019 and 2021, and those with losses between 20-23% who were reconsidered.
  • Consideration: Cohort 1 applications that meet Cohort 2 criteria will be re-reviewed.
  • Criteria: A minimum loss of 1% revenue loss between the years 2019 and 2021.
  • Special Consideration: Loss can be rounded up to 1%.
  • Exception 1: If 2021 tax returns are incomplete, loss will be calculated between 2019 and 2020.
  • Exception 2: Businesses that began operating in 2020 (before March 17, 2020) will have their loss calculated between 2020 and 2021.
  • Consideration: Cohort 1 and 2 applications that meet Cohort 3 criteria will be re-reviewed.
  • Eligibility Criteria: We will continue with the same eligibility requirements as in previous cohorts, with an extension to include businesses that commenced operations between mid-2019 and March 2020.
  • For businesses that were operational for only part of 2019 and/or 2020, we will calculate their losses on a prorated basis, considering the months they were active.
  • Additional Consideration: Applications from previous cohorts that were initially denied, but now meet the criteria for Cohort 4, will undergo a re-review process automatically.

After the completion of each cohort, if there are remaining funds, we will broaden the approval criteria to include more businesses. This approach prioritizes businesses that were most affected and closely aligned with the initial criteria. However, with each subsequent cohort, we aim to extend the program’s benefits to a broader range of businesses. Each will run for 60 days before reevaluation. 

Cohort 4 will run for 90 days to account for holiday disruptions.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS - Small Business Grants

The following documents will be used to verify the above eligibility:

  • Examples of eligible forms of Photo ID include the following:
    • Valid Driver’s License
    • State-issued Identification Card
    • Student Identification Card
    • Military Identification Card
    • Passport or Passport Card
  • All business licenses must be current and in good standing. 
  • If W9 is not completed accurately your application will not be approved. W9 forms dated prior to 2020 will not be accepted. W9 forms can be found here. 
  • Documentation should clearly indicate total number of employees for your business. 
  • Examples:
    • Quarterly Contribution Return and Report of Wages (Preferred)
    • Sole Proprietorship self-attestation
    • Payroll summary report
    • Payroll journal report
    • Screenshots of payroll services 
  • Your Business Insurance Certificate
  • While the entire policy is not required, it can be used to satisfy this requirement.

You can store documents in your profile so that you can easily find them to include in your applications. These file formats are supported: .doc, .docx, .gif, .jpeg, .jpg, .pdf, .png, .xls, and .xlsx

APPLICATION & SCREENING - Small Business Grants

Applications will be reviewed in 30-day cohorts. If funding is not exhausted in the first cohort the application portal will re-open for a second co-hort. Once all applications are collected for each cohort applications will be reviewed to ensure applications meet program qualifications. Any application that does not meet program eligibility will be denied. The following applications will be prioritized to ensure fair and equitable distribution: 

  • Underserved census tracts
  • Women, Minority, BIPOC, Veteran Owned
  • Non-profit organizations
  • Organizations that did not receive prior funding from the 2020 Cares Act funded City of Antioch Small Business Grant. Businesses that did receive the 2020 Cares Act funded City of Antioch Small Business Grant are still eligible to receive this grant however they will be deprioritized. 

AWARDS - Small Business Grants

Total Sales Revenue (2021)

Award Amount

<$50K

$5,000

$50K – $1M

$10,000

>$1M

$15,000

FACADE UPGRADE PROGRAM

Apply

Businesses: This program can elevate not only your business’s appearance but those around you, drawing in more traffic. Tell your landlord or shopping center owner about this program!

ELIGIBILITY - Facade Upgrade Program

Businesses must meet all of the following criteria to be eligible for the Facade Upgrade Program:

  • To verify your business operating address is within Antioch City limits please click here.

Steps to see if you are within a QCT

  1. Go to this link HERE
  2. On the left of the screen press the magnifying glass
  3. Enter your address and see if you are in a qualified Zone

You MUST be in both Antioch City Limits (Orange) and the Qualified Census Tracts (Blue) to be eligible.

  • If business has an active unresolved code enforcement issue with the City of Antioch the business is not considered in good standing. 
  • Private corporations, LLC’s, limited partnerships, Sole Proprietors and nonprofit organizations are encouraged to apply.
  • All improvements completed through the Façade Reimbursement Program are “public work” as that term is used in Section 1720 of the California Labor Code. In accordance with Labor Code section 1720 et seq., prevailing wages shall be paid for all façade improvements. Use of volunteer labor is not allowed. All estimates and payments for construction and installation of façade improvements shall include prevailing wages and shall otherwise comply with the provisions of Sections 1773.8, 1775, 1776, 1777.5, 1777.6 and 1813 of the California Labor Code and all other applicable laws and regulations with respect to prevailing wages. Participants in the program are responsible for ensuring that improvements are in compliance with Prevailing Wage Law.
  • Businesses w/out a physical storefront.
  • Businesses operating outside of Antioch city limits.
  • Lending/investment institutions and insurance companies.
  • Gambling facilities.
  • Franchises with more than 3 locations within city limits.
  • Businesses engaged in illegal activity.
  • Subcontractors under primary license, such as in a salon.
  • Home-based businesses.
  • Businesses located in a shopping center already approved for the program.  Program application will collect shopping center name, landlord and landlord contact information to cross reference.
  • Businesses who received previous Facade Upgrade Grant issued by the City of Antioch.
  • You can find 2 C.F.R. § 200.327 here. 

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS - Facade Upgrade Program

The following documents will be used to verify the above eligibility:

  • Examples of eligible forms of Photo ID include the following:
    • Valid Driver’s License
    • State-issued Identification Card
    • Student Identification Card
    • Military Identification Card
    • Passport or Passport Card
  • All business licenses must be current and in good standing. 
  • If W9 is not completed accurately your application will not be approved. W9 forms dated prior to 2020 will not be accepted. W9 forms can be found here. 
  • Vendor/Contractor quotes for expected work to be performed that match planned facade upgrade work outlined in application questions. 
    1. Quotes should include taxes.
    2. A 10% contingency will be added to all requests less than $22,727. 
    3. Uploaded Quote files should be titled to match the corresponding project. For example: Project 1 – Exterior Paint should have a matching file that says, “Project 1 – Exterior Paint Quote”. 
  • Photo files should be titled to match the correlating project to be completed. For example: Project 1 – Exterior Paint should have a photo file attached titled “Project 1 – Exterior Paint Before Photo”. 
  • If your contractor/vendor is providing rendering, please also attach to application. Please ensure each file is titled to match the corresponding Project. For example: Project 1 – Exterior Paint should have a rending file attached titled “Project 1 – Exterior Paint Rendering”.
  • If your business rents, please provide documentation from landlord approving work to be done. Landlord details and contact information will be requested within the program application. 
  • We are encouraging shopping centers to participate in the program. If your business is located in a shopping center that is already participating in the program your application will be deprioritized. 
  • Lease should show a minimum of 3 remaining years on lease. 
  • Example: Tax Assessor Verification or other documentation that proves ownership.
  • Once the work is complete you will need to upload photos of the completed work in order to receive the full reimbursement your application was approved for. 
  • Photo files should be titled to match the correlating completed project. For example: Project 1 – Exterior Paint should have a photo file attached titled “Project 1 – Exterior Paint After Photo”. 
  • Final paid invoices need to be uploaded for each approved project completed in order to receive the full reimbursement your application was approved for. 
  • Invoice files should be titled to match the correlating completed project. For example: Project 1 – Exterior Paint should have a paid invoice file attached titled “Project 1 – Exterior Paint Paid Invoice”. 

APPLICATION AND SCREENING - Facade Upgrade Program

Applications will be reviewed on a first come first service basis until funding is exhausted. Once your application is received, it will be reviewed to ensure your application meets all program eligibility requirements. Any application that does not meet program eligibility will be denied. If the volume of applications dictates the following applications will be prioritized based on the following factors: 

  • Shopping centers
  • Retail, personal service establishments and restaurants
  • Underserved census tracts
  • Women, Minority, BIPOC, Veteran Owned
  • Non-profit organizations
* Approval to proceed does not guarantee funding. Funding eligibility is contingent upon the completion of eligible work on a first-come, first-served basis.

AWARDS - Facade Upgrade Program

Business Physical Size

Maximum Award Amount

Shopping Center w/ more than 5 Stores

Up to $25,000

Shopping Center w/ up to 5 Stores

Up to $10,000

Individual Store Front (corner location)

Up to $7,500

Individual Store Front

Up to $5,000

Facade Upgrade Program Timeline

  • Project quotes/bids for desired façade work.
  • Written approval to complete work from landlord (for rental properties only).
  • Before applying be sure to have all required documentation ready to upload
    • City of Antioch Business License
    • 2021 Tax Returns
    • Photo ID
    • W-9
    • Copy of Lease (rental properties only)
    • Property Title or Proof of Ownership (property owners only)
      • Example: Tax Assessor Verification or other documentation that proves ownership.
    • Before photos of proposed project area.
    • Quotes/Bids from vendors (including taxes).
    • Landlord approval letter.
    • Completed Project Worksheet
  • During this step an Intake Specialist will review your application and possibly reach out requesting further documentation to determine eligibility and award amount. 
  • If you’re determined eligible for the project, you will receive an updated Itemization Worksheet which will include a 15% contingency to accommodate possible permitting costs and additional unforeseen costs of completing work (unless proposed work exceeds maximum award amounts). Once the Itemization Worksheet is finalized the City will review for final approval to proceed. Do not begin work until you receive a notification from FORWARD stating “Approved to proceed”.

If you are determined approved to proceed with projects, you will proceed to complete the following.

  • STEP 1: Obtain your City of Antioch Permits
    • If you need City of Antioch permits to complete your projects:
    • If you DO NOT need City of Antioch permits to complete your projects:
      • Please obtain a letter from the City of Antioch Building Division, stating city permitting is not needed to complete your projects. Please ensure documentation clearly describes the scope of your projects and upload according to the directions above
  • STEP 2: Complete Work: Review your Final Project Itemization Worksheet sent by your Intake Specialist and complete all approved work.
  • STEP 3: Upload Final Documentation: 
    • Final Invoices from each contract/vendor
    • After Photos
* Approval to proceed does not guarantee funding. Funding eligibility is contingent upon the completion of eligible work on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • Once all documentation has been reviewed and approved you will be reimbursed by the City of Antioch for the approved award amount minus any city permit fees that were paid. 
Apply

FAQ - All Programs

  • Log in to your City of Antioch FORWARD account. Under My Applications tab you can see the status of each application. 
  • The Small Business Grant has $500,000 of total funding available, and the Facade Upgrade Program has $450,000 available for funding. 
  • If your business is outside of Antioch city limits unfortunately you do not qualify. 
  • Small Business Grant: we recommend applying as soon as possible. Applications will be received for 30 days once application portal opens. If funding is exhausted the portal will not be re-opened. If funding is not exhausted the portal will open up for a second cohort of applications. 
  • Facade Upgrade Program: applications will be processed as first come first serve until funding is exhausted. 
  • An award agreement will be sent to each approved applicant after their application is approved. The award agreement is a signed agreement between applicant and the City of Antioch that funds will be used as the program intended them to be used. 
  • To ensure equitable distribution, FORWARD and the City of Antioch will prioritize businesses operating in underserved census tracts, and consideration may be given to businesses owned by someone from a historically disadvantaged or underserved population.
  • Any small business operating within the City of Antioch that meets all eligibility criteria stated ABOVE for each program. 
  • Yes. You will receive an email confirmation from forward-support@livestories.com once your application is received. Check your spam/junk folder if you are still waiting to receive an email shortly after submitting your application.
  • We ask that all answers be in English. Please consider using a translation tool (like Google Translate) to help translate the response into English before submitting the final application.
  • FORWARD is a Washington state technology company that powers the application portal. FORWARD offers application services for programs such as this nationwide. the City of Antioch has partnered with FORWARD to manage the application process and distribute awards.
  • Small Business Grant: 30 days
  • Facade Upgrade Program: until funds exhaust
  • Yes, this application is mobile friendly.
  • Yes, however you may need to re-answer some questions as they may not save. 
  • Small Business Grants: award size is determined by gross revenue size of the qualified business applying. 
  • Facade Upgrade Program: maximum award amounts are determined by physical footprint of the business and the proposed work applicant is seeking reimbursement for.
    • First $2500 of work paid at 100%. 
    • Total funding requested above $2500 will be reimbursed at 67%.
    • If 67% of the total is less than $2500 the business will be paid the $2500.
  • You will receive an email from Antioch-support@livestories.zendesk.com notifying you if you have been awarded a grant, and included in the email will be “Next Steps.”
  • Generally, yes this would be considered taxable income. All awardees will receive a 1099 at the end of the tax year. We recommend you consult with a tax professional to understand the tax implications when receiving this award. 
  • No. Money from these programs’ do not need to be repaid. However, all taxes associated with the acceptance and/or uses of cash awarded are the sole responsibility of the individual grantee. Please contact your financial advisor or the Department of Revenue for questions related to your own
    situation.
  • Small Business Grants: applications will be reviewed and screened after the portal closes (30 days after opening). Award agreements and payment for qualified applicants will go out as soon as possible following review. 
  • Facade Upgrade Program: please see Facade Upgrade Program Timeline above. 
  • Overhead costs.
  • Costs associated with remaining open, and meeting required safety protocols.
  • Costs adjusting operations to respond to new methods of providing services.
  • Rent relief or payment of back utilities.
  • Costs to retain employees (i.e. payroll, sick leave, etc.).
  • Marketing and promotional events.
  • Furniture, fixtures, equipment.
  • Repairs and expenses related to theft/vandalism/ property damage.
  • Technology hardware and digital resources.
  • Yes, however:
    • In-home daycare businesses DO qualify for the Small Business Grant but DO NOT qualify for the Facade Upgrade Program.
    • Shopping Centers DO NOT qualify for the Small Business Grant but DO qualify for the Facade Upgrade Program.
  • Log into your FORWARD account by clicking here to review application status. 
  • If you have more than 25 employees you do not qualify for the Small Business Grant, however you DO qualify for the Facade Upgrade Program. 
  • You qualify for the Small Business Grant but you DO NOT qualify for the Facade Reimbursement Program. 
  • If you are located in a shopping center you qualify for both programs as long as you meet all other eligibility requirements. 
  • If your business is a shopping center real estate company, you ONLY qualify for the Facade Upgrade Program. 
  • Facade Upgrade Program ONLY
  • Please allow up to 3 weeks after you have signed your award agreement to process payment. If 3 weeks or more have passed since you signed your award agreement, please contact FORWARD customer support at Antioch-support@livestories.zendesk.com or call us at 1-855-582-3973.
  • The loss is calculated using the revenue reported on your 2021 and 2019 tax returns. 

Those who previously denied due to financial loss will be contacted by FORWARD if eligible under updated requirements. There is no need to reapply.

FAQ - Facade Upgrade Program

Eligible Work

  • 1st Floor only
  • Brick And Stone Masonry – Structural repairs, cleaning, repointing, and resurfacing 
  • Architectural Metals – Repair, cleaning, refinishing, painting, duplication, and restoration of exterior building components, e.g., cast iron, pressed tin  
  • Doors and Windows – Maintenance, repairs, replacement, and restoration of window sashes, exterior doors, and installation of storm windows in conjunction with other significant façade improvements 
  • Exterior Carpentry – Maintenance, repair, rehabilitation and restoration of sills, window and door frames, bulkheads, storefront and roof cornices, window hoods, and decorative molding 
  • Storefronts – Removal of inappropriate coverings and additions, maintenance, repair, rehabilitation, restoration of display and transom windows, and lighting
  • Signage – Maintenance, repair, removal, and/or replacement; lighting 
  • Painting – Surface preparation, cleaning and painting  
  • Awnings – Maintenance, installation, repair, or replacement of fabric awnings. 
  • Lighting – Installation, retrofitting, replacement 
  • Handicapped Access Projects – Ramps, thresholds, entrances 
  • Removal Of Features – Removal of “modernization” efforts and/or inappropriate non-historic alterations/additions 
  • Murals or Other Permanent, Affixed Artwork
    • Cannot promote business
    • Will need letter of approval from City of Antioch Planning and Development Department

In-Eligible Work

  • New building construction 
  • Additions to existing structures 
  • Billboards 
  • Any interior work or decoration 
  • Internally-lit signs 
  • Non-permanent fixtures (i.e. free standing planters, stands, holders) 
  • On-site or off-site paving 
  • Sidewalk repair/restoration/replacement 
  • Payment for the applicant’s own labor and performance for improvements 
  • Purchase of furnishings, equipment, or other personal property 
  • Repair or creation of features not compatible with the original architecture or that are artificial in appearance 
  • Roof repairs/replacements. 
  • Structural foundations
  • Any work above 1st floor
  • Code violation repairs
  • Maximum award amounts are determined by physical footprint of the business and the proposed work applicant is seeking reimbursement for.
    • First $2500 of work paid at 100%. 
    • Total funding requested above $2500 will be reimbursed at 67%.
    • If 67% of the total is less than $2500 the business will be paid the $2500.
  • All improvements completed through the Façade Reimbursement Program are “public work” as that term is used in Section 1720 of the California Labor Code. In accordance with Labor Code section 1720 et seq., prevailing wages shall be paid for all façade improvements. Use of volunteer labor is not allowed. All estimates and payments for construction and installation of façade improvements shall include prevailing wages and shall otherwise comply with the provisions of Sections 1773.8, 1775, 1776, 1777.5, 1777.6 and 1813 of the California Labor Code and all other applicable laws and regulations with respect to prevailing wages. Participants in the program are responsible for ensuring that improvements are in compliance with Prevailing Wage Law. More information can be found here. 
  • Businesses located in a shopping center DO qualify for the Facade Upgrade Program. However, if the shopping center you are located is participating in the Facade Upgrade Program you will not qualify. If you don’t know if your landlord is participating in the Facade Upgrade Program still apply, we will review your application and notify you if you are not eligible due to your landlords’ participation. 
  • Yes
  • So, we can verify and determine award amounts. 
  • Unfortunately, you will not be approved for the program.
  • You will receive reimbursement after all work is completed and final documentation is uploaded, reviewed and approved on your FORWARD account. 
  • Businesses have 6 months to complete work from the date of application approval.
    • Extensions will be granted for extenuating circumstances, to be approved by the City of Antioch.
    • All businesses requesting additional time to complete work must complete work within 1 year of approval to proceed with work. If work is not completed within one-year businesses will be required to re-apply. 
  • Incomplete work.
  • Final documentation does not match approved projects. 
  • Failure to submit final documentation.
  • Failure to pay prevailing wage. 
  • etc.

FORWARD Online Application Tutorials

FORWARD Online Application Tutorials

5 Videos

FORWARD is administering the City of Antioch Small Business Grant and Facade Upgrade Program on behalf of the City of Antioch. 

ABOUT FORWARD
FORWARD is the leading Integrated Program Administration solution that incorporates all essential components, people and technology into a single streamlined workflow to effectively, securely, and equitably administer critical resources to help communities thrive.