“Still Budaful” Stimulus Program Distributes $300,000 In Grants To Local Businesses

BUDA, TX — In response to COVID-19 (Coronavirus), the Buda City Council authorized the Still Budaful Stimulus Program to assist businesses negatively affected by the pandemic.

The total contributions between the City of Buda and the Buda Economic Development Corporation amounted to $380,000.

Since the program’s implementation in April, over $300,000 in grants have been issued to roughly 70 applicants.

Applications are still being accepted at www.stillbudaful.org.

“The Buda business community is motived, resourceful, and dedicated to being successful. During this pandemic, local businesses are struggling to stay open and to take care of their employees. This stimulus grant will be crucial in assisting businesses get through this unforeseen crisis,” said J.R. Gonzales, Buda Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director. 

About the Still Budaful Stimulus Grant:

The program funded between the City of Buda and the Buda EDC provides limited financial assistance to businesses severely impacted as a result of the ‘Stay at Home, Work Safe’ Order implemented by Hays County and the City of Buda to reduce the spread and impact of COVID-19.

It provides $380,000 in government-funded grants for eligible small businesses that are independently owned and operated with a maximum of 50 employees.

Eligible industries may include retail (storefront), food and beverage; personal care (barbershop, nail salons, spas, etc.), automobile maintenance, education training, health/wellness, art galleries and small manufacturing businesses.

National chains, home-based businesses, non-profit organizations and permanent business closures are not eligible for the grant.  

Additionally, businesses must meet the following criteria to receive up to $5,000 in grant funding:

• Physical and publicly accessible location within the City of Buda city limits (no home-based businesses).
• Experienced or projected to experience a decline in revenue and/or employment starting March 1, 2020, and ending at which time the government has allowed citizens to return to normal activity.
• In good standing with the City of Buda regarding licensing and permits.
• Must be registered with the Texas Comptroller’s Office as a sales tax revenue-generating business for the City of Buda.
• Engaged in activities that are legal under city and state law.

“Small business is the backbone of our community. Buda is and will continue to be a business-friendly community and this program proves that through good times and bad, the Buda EDC is here for Buda businesses,” said Jennifer Storm, Buda Economic Development Corporation Board President.

About the Hotel Occupancy Tax Payment Emergency Deferral + Forgiveness Program:

The program provides limited financial assistance to the City of Buda hotels through the deferral and forgiveness of hotel occupancy tax payments to hotels severely impacted as a result of the ‘Stay at Home, Work Safe’ Order.

The Program provides a 60-day deferral of hotel occupancy tax payments for March 20, 2020, and April 20, 2020, with an additional offering of forgiving up to $5,000 of deferred hotel occupancy tax payments.

This program has an aggregate of $45,000 available for hotel occupancy tax forgiveness. Hotels must apply to be eligible. In addition, hotels must meet the following criteria:

• Collects hotel occupancy tax for the City of Buda.
• Experienced or projected to experience a decline in revenue between March 1, 2020, and May 31, 2020, as a result of COVID-19 pandemic.
• Experienced or projected to experience a decline in employment as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
• In good standing with the City of Buda with regard to licensing and finance, including being current on sales and use tax payments.
• Engaged in activities that are legal under city and state law.

About the Emergency Co-Marketing Grant Program:

The program, funded through Hotel Occupancy Tax, provides online marketing assistance to tourism-related businesses located within the City of Buda during a time of social distancing.

Qualifying small businesses can be reimbursed for 100% of online marketing costs, up to $50 per month, for a maximum of two months to promote their businesses to new and existing customers inside and outside of Buda city limits.

To qualify, businesses must meet the following criteria:

• Must be a registered business located within Buda City limits. Businesses located in the ETJ do not qual
• Must be privately owned and must be in a tourism-service related industry to include retail, food, beverage, etc.
• Advertisements must adhere to and support proper social distancing guidelines.
• Qualifying advertisements are limited to social media, web and online marketing efforts.
• Website creation is a qualifying expense and can be reimbursed up to the maximum amount of $100 at the time of the expense.
• Qualifying advertisements may target potential customers in Buda but must primarily target potential customers from outside of Buda City Limits.
• Advertising must promote tourism and meet the Texas Hotel Occupancy Tax Code requirements:
  • The expenditure must directly enhance and promote tourism and the convention and hotel industry
  • Promote tourism in the City of Buda

In addition to the sub-programs available under the Still Budaful Stimulus Program, Buda City Council voted to waive food truck fees for the 2^nd quarter.

Food trucks must still register with the City of Buda to remain in compliance. City Council also waived credit card transaction fees, utility late fees, and utility disconnects for two months.