South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster has announced the launch of the Sc Cares Minority And Small Business Relief Grant Program, a crucial initiative aimed at supporting the state’s vital small business sector. This program, alongside the Nonprofit Relief Grant Program, is set to begin accepting applications on Monday, October 19, 2020, offering financial reimbursement for businesses and nonprofits grappling with the economic fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Acknowledging the pivotal role of small businesses in South Carolina’s economy, Governor McMaster emphasized the severe financial challenges many have faced due to the pandemic. “Small businesses are the lifeblood of South Carolina’s economy,” he stated, “and many have been financially devastated by the COVID-19 pandemic.” These SC CARES grants are designed to provide a lifeline, helping these businesses sustain operations and accelerate the state’s overall economic recovery. Governor McMaster strongly encourages all eligible small businesses and nonprofits to leverage the resources available through accelerateSC to prepare their applications when the program opens.
The Minority and Small Business Relief Grant Program is structured to offer reimbursements ranging from $2,500 to $25,000 to qualifying recipients. Eligibility criteria are specific: businesses must have 25 or fewer employees, be physically based in South Carolina, and meet further requirements detailed on the accelerateSC website. This targeted approach ensures that the funds reach those small and minority-owned businesses most in need of support during these challenging times.
Similarly, the Nonprofit Relief Grant Program offers substantial assistance to the nonprofit sector, providing reimbursements from $2,500 up to $50,000. To be eligible, nonprofits must hold 501(c)(3) status from the IRS, be registered as a public charity with the South Carolina Secretary of State, and maintain a physical presence in South Carolina. Comprehensive eligibility details are also accessible on the accelerateSC website, ensuring transparency and ease of access for interested organizations.
The online application portal for both the SC CARES Minority and Small Business Relief Grant Program and the Nonprofit Relief Grant Program will be open for a limited period, from Monday, October 19, through Sunday, November 1. During this window, eligible businesses and nonprofits can access and complete their applications via the accelerateSC website. For those seeking assistance with the application process, the SC Cares Call Center is available at 803-670-5170, or via email at [email protected], providing essential support to navigate the application process effectively.
