Fate Small Business Support Program

PURPOSE: The City of Fate recognizes that small businesses are suffering from the financial impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Fate Municipal Development District (MDD); Fate Development Corporation (FDC), and the Fate City Council feel strongly that the Fate business community needs our support during this extraordinary health crisis. 

The Fate Small Business Support Program was developed to provide short-term, immediate financial aid in the form of gift card/certificate purchases of small businesses that have sustained economic losses due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It is not intended to be the sole source to sustain the business during this health crisis. Businesses are encouraged to seek out additional sources of stop-gap funding in addition to this program.

DESCRIPTION: Gift Card/Certificate Purchase: The City may purchase up to $5,000 in gift cards from the applicant as a way of granting immediate access to cash. The City may resell the gift cards/certificates at a discounted rate. However, the gift card/certificate holder can redeem the full face value of the gift cards/certificates for goods and/or services at the applicant’s place of business. The gift cards/certificates will expire 12 months from their issuance.

CRITERIA: This program is open to small businesses located within the City of Fate who meet the following criteria:

1. Must have 25 or less FTE (Full-time equivalent) for payroll as of April 1, 2020.
2. Must collect and remit sales tax within the City of Fate, and must have been in continuous operation for a period of at least six months prior to the application date. For purposes of this program, existing businesses with changes to their name or product offering within the last 6 months, but have continuously operated, are eligible to apply.
3. The business has experienced or is projecting to experience a decline in employment and/or revenue as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
4. The business is registered with the Texas Secretary of State’s Office and is in good standing with the City of Fate with respect to taxes, fees, utility payments, and other financial obligations.
5. Must be engaged in activities that are legal under city and state law.
6. Must be able to meet program technical requirements including the ability to provide and redeem gift cards/certificates and provide financial records to support program requests.
7. Must not have a conflict of interest (no award may be made to any business entity or person whereby grant consideration may be a violation of Chapter 171, Texas Local Government Code).

Please Note: This program is open to all small businesses located in the city limits of Fate that collect and remit sales tax. The priority is for businesses that have frequent and/or close contact with customers. These types of businesses include: retail (storefront), restaurant/food business, personal care (barbershop, nail salons, etc.), and small manufacturing businesses.

APPLICATION PROCESS: Applicants may obtain an application here. Applications will be reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis. Program funds will be awarded until approved funding is exhausted or the program is ended, whichever occurs first. Applications will be accepted during a 10-day open period. Continued funding for this program is not guaranteed.

Application Submittal: Completed application and supporting documentation should be emailed to jweiss@cityoffate.com 

OPEN PERIOD: The open period for the Fate Small Business Support Program has expired.

EXCLUSIONS: Non-profit organizations are specifically excluded from the Fate Small Business Support Program.

NOTE: Participation in this grant may or may not affect your eligibility to participate in the Paycheck Protection Loan Program as managed by the Small Business Administration, relief under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, or other forms of federal or state aid. For more information, click here.