Have questions? We're here to help!
Q: When is the deadline to apply?
A: Businesses have until Wednesday, August 19th, 2020, at 5:00pm to submit their application for the grant.
Q: After I apply, when will I be notified whether I will receive a grant? And, when can I expect to receive the funds?
A: Due to the high volume of applications received, exact processing times are not currently available. However, applications are being processed as quickly as possible and notifications will be sent out as grant awards are determined.
Q: Must my business be located in Forsyth County to apply?
A: Yes your business must be located within the boundaries in Forsyth County, Georgia and have a valid business license from Forsyth County Government or the City of Cumming.
Q: If I received funds from the Small Business Administration EIDL or PPP sources, am I eligible to apply for this grant?
A: Yes.
Q: If I am a sole-proprietor with no employees, can I apply?
A: Absolutely! In the application, indicate that you are a Sole Proprietor with No Employees and the application will amend itself to not require 941 forms or the Certificate of Existence or Certificate of Organization.
Q: Are non-profits eligible to apply?
A: Yes! Qualifying tax-exempt nonprofit organizations described in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code (IRC), tax-exempt veterans organization described in section 501(c)(19) of the IRC, and Tribal business concerns described in section 31(b)(2)(C) of the Small Business Act that have 499 or fewer employees whose principal business is located in Forsyth County, Georgia. We have verified that Forsyth County does not require a business license for entities that have been issued an IRS 501(c)(3) non-profit classification. Therefore, a non-profit organization located either in the City of Cumming or Forsyth County can submit their IRS 501(c)(3) Determination Letter or a copy of their IRS Form 990 in lieu of a business license.
Q: If my 2019 taxes are not complete, what can be sent in its place?
A: Your company’s Profit & Loss Statements as well as the Balance Sheet for 2019 can be submitted in place of the 2019 tax return
Q: If you reach out to me to make a change to my application, how do I do that?
A: Use your login and password on the grants site to login and make any changes we’ve requested. Please note that you have 72 hours OR until August 19th at 5 p.m., whichever comes first, to make the change before the reviewing period closes and your application will move forward without the changes or additions we have recommended. Once eligibility reviews begin, applicants will no longer be able to make changes to their applications
Q: What if I don't have a business license, Can I still apply?
A: You must have a current, non-expired Business License from the City of Cumming or Forsyth County in order to apply.
Q: I just renewed my business license online, but the new certificate has not come in. Can I still apply?
A: Yes! Please submit your 2019 Business License as well as the receipt showing us that you have paid for your 2020 Business License. If your application is funded, we will need an updated copy of your 2020 business license prior to the disbursement of any funding.
Q: How long does a grant recipient have to utilize the funds?
A: These Funds are reimbursement for expenses incurred after April 1, 2020, Businesses must submit Receipts and/or invoices for expenses meeting eligible reimbursable COVID-19 expenses in their Application.
Q: Do Part-Time employees count?
A: Yes, each part time employee will count the same as a Full Time Employee.
Q: If my business has been in operation since 2017 and I do not have a business license, can I obtain a license now and am I eligible to apply?
A: No, you must have a business license before March 1st 2019.
A: Businesses have until Wednesday, August 19th, 2020, at 5:00pm to submit their application for the grant.
Q: After I apply, when will I be notified whether I will receive a grant? And, when can I expect to receive the funds?
A: Due to the high volume of applications received, exact processing times are not currently available. However, applications are being processed as quickly as possible and notifications will be sent out as grant awards are determined.
Q: Must my business be located in Forsyth County to apply?
A: Yes your business must be located within the boundaries in Forsyth County, Georgia and have a valid business license from Forsyth County Government or the City of Cumming.
Q: If I received funds from the Small Business Administration EIDL or PPP sources, am I eligible to apply for this grant?
A: Yes.
Q: If I am a sole-proprietor with no employees, can I apply?
A: Absolutely! In the application, indicate that you are a Sole Proprietor with No Employees and the application will amend itself to not require 941 forms or the Certificate of Existence or Certificate of Organization.
Q: Are non-profits eligible to apply?
A: Yes! Qualifying tax-exempt nonprofit organizations described in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code (IRC), tax-exempt veterans organization described in section 501(c)(19) of the IRC, and Tribal business concerns described in section 31(b)(2)(C) of the Small Business Act that have 499 or fewer employees whose principal business is located in Forsyth County, Georgia. We have verified that Forsyth County does not require a business license for entities that have been issued an IRS 501(c)(3) non-profit classification. Therefore, a non-profit organization located either in the City of Cumming or Forsyth County can submit their IRS 501(c)(3) Determination Letter or a copy of their IRS Form 990 in lieu of a business license.
Q: If my 2019 taxes are not complete, what can be sent in its place?
A: Your company’s Profit & Loss Statements as well as the Balance Sheet for 2019 can be submitted in place of the 2019 tax return
Q: If you reach out to me to make a change to my application, how do I do that?
A: Use your login and password on the grants site to login and make any changes we’ve requested. Please note that you have 72 hours OR until August 19th at 5 p.m., whichever comes first, to make the change before the reviewing period closes and your application will move forward without the changes or additions we have recommended. Once eligibility reviews begin, applicants will no longer be able to make changes to their applications
Q: What if I don't have a business license, Can I still apply?
A: You must have a current, non-expired Business License from the City of Cumming or Forsyth County in order to apply.
Q: I just renewed my business license online, but the new certificate has not come in. Can I still apply?
A: Yes! Please submit your 2019 Business License as well as the receipt showing us that you have paid for your 2020 Business License. If your application is funded, we will need an updated copy of your 2020 business license prior to the disbursement of any funding.
Q: How long does a grant recipient have to utilize the funds?
A: These Funds are reimbursement for expenses incurred after April 1, 2020, Businesses must submit Receipts and/or invoices for expenses meeting eligible reimbursable COVID-19 expenses in their Application.
Q: Do Part-Time employees count?
A: Yes, each part time employee will count the same as a Full Time Employee.
Q: If my business has been in operation since 2017 and I do not have a business license, can I obtain a license now and am I eligible to apply?
A: No, you must have a business license before March 1st 2019.
The Forsyth County Chamber’s mission is and always has been to advance positive business growth and community partnerships to promote a superior quality of life in Forsyth County. This mission is the same no matter the circumstance and it is our pleasure to work toward this mission no matter the season. Please know that the Chamber is here for you and for every business and for every resident of Forsyth County.
We are all in this together.
We are all in this together.