GRANTS
Stabilization Grants
For small businesses
Jump to: Eligibility Checklist | Application Instructions
Purpose
to support specific projects that will help the business grow or overcome an obstacle that limits its ability to operate at full capacity. Offered twice a year, in spring and fall. We are processing spring applications received on or before April 15; the fall cycle will open September 15.
Funding Priorities
In recognition of historical and systemic disinvestment in some communities, as well as inequitable access to capital experienced by some business owners, TMF prioritizes support to address historical disparities and build wealth in our communities.
Between $50,000 and $750,000
in annual revenue
Business Eligibility Checklist
To apply for a Merchants Fund grant, your business must be:
- Located in Philadelphia
- Independently owned and operated
- Be an eligible business type – see details below!
- With annual revenue between $50,000 – $750,000
- In operation for at least two years
- Run from a publicly-accessible storefront/physical location (food trucks & kiosks are ok)
- In compliance with all federal, state, and local taxes (or on an approved payment plan)
- Has the required federal, state, and local licenses/permits to operate legally
- Able to demonstrate financial need for a grant
- Has NOT applied for a Stabilization grant in the last year
- Has NOT received a Stabilization grant within the last 24 months
Not sure if you’re eligible? Have an idea but not sure if it’s good for a grant? Want to talk about the paperwork you should get together now? Have a call with us before the applying! We are here to help.
*Ineligible businesses include, but are not limited to, those that provide professional services (like medical/therapeutic/counseling, legal, insurance), graphic design, architecture, real estate, child/elder care providers, and non-profit organizations. Additional ineligible businesses can be found on the quick reference sheet. These lists are not comprehensive; TMF reserves the right to deem any application or business type ineligible, or deny any application.
How To Apply
You can check your eligibility at any time!
- Click the GET STARTED button below to begin. You’ll see our TMF Stabilization Grant Eligibility Questions. Please answer all the questions accurately.
- If you are eligible, it will say “You can apply!” (but you can’t start until the cycle opens.)
Once the cycle opens, you can start applying:
- Take the eligibility quiz, and click “Continue to application”. Then, click Sign in to start form.
- You’ll go to a login page on our grant platform, Temelio. Sign Up to create your account. Click the Send Code button, then use the code in your email to confirm.
- On Step 1, when asked “Who is this account for?“, please answer “Organization”, since it’s for your business.
- On Step 2, enter your business name for Entity Name. You can skip all the other questions; we’ll ask again later.
- On Step 3, you’ll be the Primary Contact, so check that box.
- On Step 4, click Complete, then Start New Form to apply!
Once you get to that point, we can save your progress. If you need to finish later, just log in using your email and password, and click “Edit Application” on the home screen.
To submit your application, make sure all required information is completed and go to the final screen to click the SUBMIT button. You will receive an email confirmation once your application is submitted.
If you have questions or need assistance, please email grants@merchantsfund.org
