PHOENIX, AZ – $5 million has been set aside to fund the Back to Work Small Business Rehiring and Retention Program for Arizona businesses affected by wildfires and flooding.
The Small Business Rehiring and Retention Program is designed to assist small, locally owned or operated businesses hire and retain employees. The program will fund up to $10,000 in expenditures for employee hiring/signing bonuses, relocation bonuses for employees that are moving to take an open position, and employee retention bonuses.
Arizona State Rep. David Cook, who represents some of the hardest hit communities, tweeted his thanks to Governor Doug Ducey for the program:
Thank you @dougducey amd your staff on @9thFloorAZ ! From tire stores to pizza shops – they need the assistance. #AzLeadership pic.twitter.com/PXHSMTDr6G
— David Cook (@RepDavidCook) August 20, 2021
An Arizona small business has to meet eligibility requirements to receive funding, including it must be: owned and operated in the state of Arizona; incorporated before January 1, 2020; rent or lease a physical location in Arizona; have between five and 25 total employees that work at the physical location. Eligible businesses in areas impacted by wildfires or floods may have up to 50 employees. “
Areas throughout Arizona are facing the effects of wildfires, storms and flooding, and the weather is impacting small businesses and their operations. Currently, rainfall in areas of Northern Area that have post-fire burn scars is causing significant flooding. Additionally, record flooding has caused extensive damage to homes and property in Gila Bend. In response the Governor issued a Declaration of Emergency and directed the Department of Emergency and Military Affairs to activate the State Emergency Operations Center in support of field operations.
The Arizona Commerce Authority is currently accepting applications from business owners.