FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Rescue Small Business Relief Program Relaunches

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Rescue Small Business Relief Program Relaunches

JUNEAU, AK (February 4, 2022) – The Central Council of the Tlingit & Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska (Tlingit & Haida) is pleased to announce the relaunch of the Rescue Small Business Relief program. The application period closed on December 31, 2021 to allow program staff to close out all pending applications from the first round of funding. The 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.

In 2021, the Rescue Small Business Relief program provided relief assistance to more than 440 tribal citizens, which infused more than $2.1 million into communities where tribal citizens own and operate small businesses.

With a new round of funding available, tribal citizens who are small business owners and have been impacted by COVID-19 are eligible to apply for up to $5,000 in relief assistance. 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 Rescue Small Business Relief program in 2021.

The Rescue Small Business Relief program’s application period will remain open through December 30, 2022 or until all funds have been disbursed. Funds must be expended in compliance with federal law and used only to pay for business and/or recovery-related expenses (i.e., inventory, work-related gear, personal protective equipment & supplies, etc.) incurred after January 1, 2022 or reasonably expected to be incurred by December 30, 2022.

“Small businesses are still being impacted by the pandemic and that's why we will continue to provide direct relief assistance to our tribal citizen small business owners," shared President Richard Chalyee Éesh Peterson. "Whether you are located in Alaska or the Lower 48, I encourage all of our tribal citizens who are self-employed and have a business license, to take advantage of this resource."

Please note, the grants distributed to small business owners under the Rescue Small Business Relief program are considered taxable income. 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 - Communications

Raeanne Holmes, Communications Manager

Phone: 907.463.7368 | 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.”