Putting Small Business First

As construction begins on the five METRO Solutions light-rail lines, METRO wants to ensure small businesses impacted by construction continue to thrive.

What is the Business Assistance Fund?

The Business Assistance Fund is a grant that helps small businesses during the construction period with financial aid. Eligible businesses can apply for financial assistance to handle the everyday expenses to keep your business going:

• Utilities
• Insurance
• Rent or mortgage payments
• Payroll

What kinds of businesses are eligible?

To qualify for METRO’s Business Assistance Fund, your small business must be located directly on a METRO Solutions light-rail corridor. METRO defines a small business as an entity that has less than $1 million in revenue and 20 employees or less. (The Main Street Line, from Fannin South to UH Downtown, is not eligible.)

Eligible businesses must:

• Run a for-profit business
• Be profitable and viable
• Be in good standing with local,
  state and federal tax requirements 

There’s more!

As another value–added benefit, METRO has partnered with SCORE, a non-profit association
dedicated to helping small businesses in the Houston community. Any entity along one of the METRO solutions corridors is encouraged to attend SCORE’s free workshops on a variety
of exciting topics:

• Marketing
• Organization/insurance/regulation
• Cash management
• Business plans
• And more!

Members of SCORE will also be on hand for one-on-one, confidential counseling to provide
in-depth analysis and input into your small business.

How to register

1. Your business must pre-qualify. Click here to register or contact your corridor community outreach office for more information.

2. A METRO Solutions community outreach specialist will contact you and provide the necessary paperwork.

3. Submit documentation to Unity National Bank to become qualified.