Governor Ducey Announces “Arizona Back to Work”
Recently, Governor Ducey launched the Arizona Back to Work Plan which includes a new program for small businesses. The Small Business Hiring and Retention Program is intended to help small, locally owned and operated businesses hire and retain enough employees to keep them up and running in the wake of the recent pandemic. Applications are currently being accepted and will continue to be so until October 3, 2021. All applications will be subject to a review process to confirm eligibility and ensure all documentation submitted is correct and verified.
In order to qualify, a business must:
- be owned and operated in Arizona; this includes franchises with headquarters in another state, but with locally-owned establishments.
- be in good standing with the Arizona Corporation Commission and the Arizona Department of Revenue.
- have a current staff of 5-25 employees.
- be incorporated before January 1, 2020.
- be leasing or renting a physical location that is open to the general public; working remotely as an independent contractor is disqualifying.
- submit a plan for how they will use the award money.
Once the award has been granted, there are stipulations:
- At least 75% of the awarded funds must go to current or new employees in the form on incentives.
- Employees that receive an incentive that is funded by this program may not include the business-owner.
- Each employee may not receive for the $1,000 in incentives.
- No more that 25% of the total award may be used toward other business expenses such as mortgage/rent and utility costs.
- Qualifying applicants may receive 1 award, up to $10,000, for eligible expenses. This award may be used at multiple locations.
- Individual applicants that own multiple distinct businesses may not apply for multiple awards.
For those small businesses located in an area impacted by the recent wildfires and floods in Arizona some considerations have been made; these businesses can:
- have up to 50 employees
- use up to 100% of the award funds for non-personnel expenses.