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Natural Disaster Grant Program FAQs

Heart on Main Street’s Natural Disaster Grant Program provides financial assistance to independent retailers impacted by natural disasters, helping them recover and rebuild. Through this program, we offer direct grants to support essential business needs, from repairs to inventory replacement.

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GRANT FAQs

At Heart on Main Street, we understand the devastating impact natural disasters can have on small businesses. Our Natural Disaster Grant Program is designed to provide financial relief to independent retailers affected by unforeseen events. Below are answers to common questions about the program.

  • This program provides financial assistance to independent retailers affected by natural disasters. The grant is intended to help businesses recover by covering immediate expenses necessary for reopening and sustaining operations.

  • To qualify for a grant, applicants must meet the following criteria:

    ● Be an independent retailer (not part of a national chain or franchise).

    ● Have experienced a federally-declared natural disaster within the past 12 months.

    ● Provide proof of business ownership and operation before the disaster occurred.

    ● Demonstrate the financial impact of the disaster through documentation.

  • A natural disaster includes:

    ● Hurricanes

    ● Tornadoes

    ● Floods

    ● Wildfires

    ● Earthquakes

    ● Severe winter storms

    The disaster must have had a significant impact on the business’s operations, requiring financial assistance for recovery.

  • Applicants must provide:

    ● Proof of business ownership and operation (e.g., business license, tax documents).

    ● Documentation of the disaster’s impact, such as:

    ○ Photos of damage.

    ○ Insurance claims or itemized loss reports.

    ○ Repair estimates or invoices.

  • Grant funds may be used for:

    ● Business property repairs (excluding personal residences).

    ● Replacing lost or damaged inventory, equipment, or fixtures.

    ● Temporary relocation costs if the primary business location is uninhabitable.

    ● Other urgent expenses directly related to disaster recovery.

  • Grant amounts vary based on the level of damage, financial need, and available funding. While we strive to assist as many businesses as possible, funding is limited and awarded on a case-by-case basis.

  • Yes. Receiving insurance coverage does not automatically disqualify you. However, our grants are intended to supplement gaps in assistance, so you will need to provide details about your coverage and any claims filed.

  • Businesses that are temporarily closed due to disaster-related damage are still eligible to apply. You may be asked to provide an estimated reopening date and details about your recovery plan.

  • You can apply online at https://www.heartonmainstreet.org/natural-disaster by completing the application form and uploading the required documentation. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

  • Processing times vary depending on the volume of applications and available funding. You will receive confirmation once your application is under review, and we will notify you of the status as soon as possible.

  • Yes. If you have received aid from insurance, local relief funds, or other assistance programs, you can still apply. We assess each applicant’s needs to ensure funding fills any financial gaps.

  • For assistance with your application, please email contact@heartonmainstreet.org or visit https://www.heartonmainstreet.org/natural-disaster for more information.