Houston Republic

The Houston City Council approved a program designed to help local businesses survive the struggles of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Houston's Small Business Economic Relief Program (SBERP) will be a $15 million program, funded by the CARES Act, to provide financial assistance to businesses in need, according to a press release from the City of Houston. 

Businesses can receive up to $50,000 from the program, which can be used on rent, payroll, PPE, marketing and the business's online presence. 

"We know small businesses throughout Houston have suffered greatly due to the global pandemic, and it could take months or years before the business climate returns to normal," Mayor Sylvester Turner said. "I thank Vice Mayor Pro-Tem Martha Castex Tatum and other council members for bringing this program forward. We are working on other relief packages that will keep us Houston Strong as we navigate the public health crisis."

To be eligible for the program, the business must be located in the City of Houston, been in business for at least a year, provide evidence that the business was affected by the pandemic, have a profit of $2 million or less before the pandemic, follow city requirements, and finish the technical assistance part of the program.

“The SBERP will help all sizes of small businesses move one step closer toward financial recovery,” Marsha Murray, director for the Office of Business Opportunity, said. “This program is intended to maximize the long-term, positive impact of these small businesses on our local economy through their contribution to job retention and the continued availability of their services. If our local small businesses did not qualify for other federal or local programs, or did not receive enough funds to mitigate the impact of the crisis, we encourage them to apply for this program.”