FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: New Rescue Small Business Relief Program Announced

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

New Rescue Small Business Relief Program Announced

JUNEAU, AK (September 1, 2021) – The Central Council of the Tlingit & Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska (Tlingit & Haida) is pleased to announce the launch of the Rescue Small Business Relief program. The new direct relief assistance program is funded under the Tribe’s American Rescue Plan Act funds to assist tribal citizen small business owners who have been economically impacted by the Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

Tribal citizens who are small business owners and have been impacted by COVID-19 are eligible to apply for up to $5,000. All impacted tribal citizens who are U.S. citizens, own a small business and reside in the United States are eligible to apply, including those who previously received funding under the CARES Act Small Business Grant program.

The application period opens today, September 1, 2021, and closes on December 31, 2021 at 4:30 PM (AKST). Funds must be expended in compliance with federal law and used by the applicant only to pay for business recovery-related expenses such as utilities, internet, phone, payroll and inventory. Only those eligible expenses incurred after March 3, 2021, or reasonably expected to be incurred by December 31, 2021 are eligible and required to follow the Purpose of Funds guidelines in the application.

"There are many tribal citizens who own a business and have been greatly affected by the pandemic," shared President Richard Chalyee Éesh Peterson. "Having a storefront isn’t the only thing that makes you a business owner and eligible to apply for this relief. Many of our citizens are self-employed like fishermen, artists, and consultants. Tlingit & Haida is honored to offer support during these trying times and will continue to put our citizens first when thinking about our communities and their well-being."

Please note, the grants distributed to small business owners under the Rescue Small Business Relief program is taxable income and businesses are advised to contact their accountants or tax preparers on how this could affect their tax return. For more information on the Rescue Small Business Relief program please call 907.463.7799 or email RESCUESBG@ccthita-nsn.gov.

To learn more about the Rescue Small Business Relief program or to complete the application online, click the link below.

APPLY NOW

Note: Please makes sure you have your tribal enrollment number, business expense receipts and banking information available before beginning the online application. Tribal citizens who do not know their tribal enrollment number will need to submit a request to the Program Compliance department and update their contact information. Requests can be made by emailing enrollment@ccthita-nsn.gov or calling 907.463.7146. Tribal citizens can also update their address through the Tribe’s website (click here).

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Contact:

Office of the President

Sam Grubitz, Communications Coordinator

Phone: 907.463.7369 | Email: communications@ccthita-nsn.gov

Our Mission

“Preserving our sovereignty, enhancing our economic and cultural resources, and promoting self-sufficiency and self-governance for our citizens through collaboration, service, and advocacy.”