Microenterprise Recovery Loan Program to accept applications beginning Wednesday, April 15

The COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically affected individuals, families and businesses in our community. In an effort to assist small businesses, the City of Columbia’s Housing Programs Division is excited to announce it will be accepting Microenterprise Recovery Loan Program applications beginning Wednesday, April 15. The application period will remain open until the loan funds are exhausted.

Forgivable loans will be provided for approved local microenterprise businesses with five or fewer employees. Qualified businesses must apply for assistance through the City of Columbia's Housing Programs Division. To qualify for the program, the business must meet the following criteria:

Maintain a business with five or fewer employees that operates within the City of Columbia.

Provide documentation of City of Columbia business license obtained prior to January 1, 2020.

Demonstrate HUD eligibility requirements demonstrating ownership by a low to
moderate income household or maintaining 51% of its employees meeting LMI criteria.

Demonstrate successful operations for at least 12 months.

Proof of current liability insurance.

Provide documentation of submission of Small Business Administration (SBA) Disaster
Assistance application.

Provide previous three months commercial bank statements to assist in identifying a positive cash flow.

Approved CDBG eligible expenses to be utilized within 30 days for rent, payroll, inventory, operating expenses and working capital.


This program was unanimously approved by the Columbia City Council, Bill R52-20, on Monday, April 6 as a measure to assist local small businesses experiencing the economic impact of COVID-19. The program is funded by Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) monies. For more information or to apply online, visit CoMo.gov (search: microenterprise).