Self Employment Livelihood Fund-Applications Open

The New Hampshire Self Employed Livelihood Fund is now accepting applications: https://gtc.revenue.nh.gov/TAP/SELF/_/

NH Governor Chris Sununu has authorized the allocation and expenditure of CARES Act Coronavirus Relief Funds (“flex funds”) to provide emergency financial relief to support New Hampshire self-employed, for-profit businesses due to the economic disruption caused by COVID-19.

The Self Employed Livelihood Fund grant award amounts will be calculated similarly to the Main Street Relief Fund, with the maximum award amount a business can receive is $50,000.

The State of New Hampshire is not directing businesses on how to spend the money. Businesses must demonstrate they have experienced or anticipate they will experience a financial loss due to COVID-19 in order to qualify for a Self Employed Livelihood Fund Grant. It is expected that businesses will use the funds to assist in covering their operational costs and legal obligations.

Self-employed individuals can apply for relief under the new fund from July 6 through 17.

For a self-employed business to qualify for a SELF Grant, it must:

• Be a “self-employed” business;
• Please note: For purposes of the New Hampshire SELF Program, a “self-employed” business is a business that does not have any employees except owners at any time during the year, including any furloughed, laid-off, or seasonal employees. The business may be a sole proprietorship, partnership, or limited liability company (LLC). If one or more non-owner employees typically work for a business at any time during the year, including any furloughed, laid-off, or seasonal employees, the business is not a “self-employed” business. Independent contractors are not employees; an independent contractor has a “self-employed” business.
• Be a for-profit business;
• Have its principal place of business in New Hampshire;
• Have been in operation for at least one year before July 17, 2020;
• Anticipate a loss of gross receipts from 2019 to 2020 due to COVID-19;
• Have total 2019 gross receipts of less than $1,000,000;
• Not be currently in bankruptcy;
• Not have permanently ceased operations; and
• Not have been awarded a Main Street Relief Fund Grant.