City of Phoenix, AZ
01/10/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 01/10/2025 12:18
Phoenix and Valley Metro Extending Small Business Financial Assistance Program
T he Small Business Financial Assistance Program (SBFAP) has been extended through March 31, 2025, providing eligible businesses along the South Central Extension/Downtown Hub light rail route to apply for up to $9,000 in grant funding.
New applicants and those who received funding previously are encouraged to apply. Eligible businesses must:
- Be located on the South Central Extension/Downtown Hub light rail extension
- Have 15 or fewer employees and annual revenue less than $750,000
- Have been in operation prior to the start of construction (June 2019)
- Demonstrate loss in revenue as compared to before construction
It is important to note that Tier I grant funding (providing $4,500 per grant) has been fully dispensed to local businesses and is no longer available.
Since launching in 2021, SBFAP has distributed more than $1.58 million in grant funding to over 270 small and micro businesses immediately adjacent to light rail construction in Phoenix. Last year alone, the program granted more than $400,000 to 65 businesses located along the SCE/DH construction corridor.
In addition to the SBFAP, Valley Metro offers a number of free business assistance programs including business consulting, hosting community events, marketing assistance and signage. To date, 362 businesses along the SCE/DH corridor have participated in one or more elements of these programs.
About the South Central Extension/Downtown Hub: The South Central Extension/Downtown Hub will extend the existing light rail system from downtown Phoenix south along Central Avenue to Baseline Road, connecting historically and culturally significant neighborhoods. The project includes a new light rail transit hub in downtown Phoenix, featuring new stations and public art throughout the corridor. Now at 95% completion and entering the final phases of construction, the project marks an important milestone for Valley Metro Rail as we prepare to introduce a two-line light rail system with the opening of the SCE/DH. Train and system testing are underway along the northern portion of the alignment as the project progresses toward opening in mid-2025. Learn more at valleymetro.org/southcentral/opening.