On January 5, 2021, the County of El Paso will make $10 million available to aid small businesses located in El Paso County which have been negatively impacted by COVID-19 through its Financial Assistance for Safety, Technology and Economic Resilience (FASTER) program. This assistance is available in several forms, including grants, loans, and technical assistance.
Funding Tier Prioritization:
January 5, 2021:
Tier I: $6 million will be available to businesses located outside of the City of El Paso and within El Paso County.
Tier II: $4 million will be available to businesses located within El Paso city limits.
March 5, 2021:
Any remaining Tier I funds will be made available to any business located within El Paso County, including businesses located within El Paso city limits.
Qualifications: Non-Profit organizations and businesses located in El Paso County that can demonstrate a negative impact due to COVID-19 and who have implemented a health and safety policy pursuant to County Judge’s Orders. We strongly encourage your business to take the Pledge to Safety.
For all FASTER program guidelines and qualifications click HERE
Click here for a list of answers to frequently asked questions.
For available program applications and information, please continue scrolling down and see below.
Note: The financial assistance provided by these programs comes in several forms. Many programs, such as grants, do not need to be repaid; however, they may be considered taxable income. Others, such as loans, have loan forgiveness opportunities. Please read the terms of the programs carefully. Businesses may apply to combine both grant and loan opportunities but the total awards shall not exceed the maximum loan allowed. However, businesses are encouraged to limit their application(s) to one loan provider (Community Foundation, LiftFund, PeopleFund) and one grant provider (EP Chamber, El Paso Hispanic Chamber) to streamline processing of applications. Technical assistance grants offered by Workforce Borderplex Solutions may be combined with other grant and loan programs as well.
Disclaimer: FASTER Program information presented here is subject to change upon final approval by the El Paso County Commissioners Court in January 2021. The program information is intended to provide awareness of the program guidelines and proposed FASTER Program Administrators. Any updates to the program will be shared via this website.
For any questions on the programs please contact the El Paso County Economic Development Department at [email protected]
NOTE: This is not an application. It is your responsibility to reach out directly to program administrators of the various grant, loan, and assistance programs if they have not contacted you directly.
Administered by Borderplex Community Capital (EP Community Foundation)
$35K to $125K
Zero Interest & Forgivable Loan Program
Large Loan Program: Click Here
Administered by El Paso Chamber & El Paso Hispanic Chamber
Up to $10,000
Microgrants Supporting Operational Safety Improvements (PPE/Guards/Signage)
El Paso Chamber of Commerce Program: Click Here
El Paso Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Program: Click Here
** PLEASE APPLY TO ONE PROGRAM ONLY**
LiftFund & PeopleFund
Up to $50K
Zero Interest & Forgivable Loan Program
Lift Fund Loan Program: Click Here
People Fund Loan Program: Call 915.213.1537
** PLEASE APPLY TO ONE PROGRAM ONLY**
El Paso Chamber & El Paso Hispanic Chamber
Up to $10,000
Microgrants for Commercial Mortgage/Rental & Utility Assistance
El Paso Chamber of Commerce Program: Click Here
El Paso Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Program: Click Here
** PLEASE APPLY TO ONE PROGRAM ONLY**
Workforce Solutions Borderplex
Based on Needs
Technical & Equipment Acquisition Assistance for Local Businesses
To Schedule an Appointment: Click Here
Disclaimer: The epbusinessstrong.org website is intended to provide awareness regarding important information relating to business operations during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Better Business Bureau does not warrant or assume any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information disclosed or product or service referenced on the epbusinessstrong.org website. Where available, original sources of information have been provided or cited. This information is not to be relied upon for legal or medical matters. If you need medical assistance, please contact your physician or dial 911. Sources of equipment or services provided are not considered an endorsement or guaranty of that service or product. The epbusinessstrong.org web site is updated regularly; however, if you become aware of any inaccurate or outdated information on epbusinessstrong.org, please contact us at [email protected] immediately.
