For-profit and nonprofit organizations that were deemed “essential” during the pandemic and are located in Bernalillo County can apply for up to $50,000 in one-time financial support to assist in retaining workers. The money, which is part of the American Rescue Plan Act State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds, must be dispersed to workers by awarded companies and nonprofits. (See update below.)

Eligible businesses include health care, grocery stores, food delivery and production, education and others that were deemed essential. A complete list can be found on the Bernalillo County website.

Under the Premium Pay for Eligible Employees grant program, eligible nonprofits and for-profit businesses can apply for up to $3,000 per employee for a maximum of $50,000 per business. Self-employed individuals who meet all eligibility requirements can apply for up to $3,000 as the sole worker in their licensed business.

Eligible employees must have been employed at the applying business as of Dec. 2, 2022, and be currently employed by the same business. Remote and teleworkers are not eligible.

Awards will be made on a first-come, first-served basis starting Monday, January 9, 2023.

Find the application and all eligibility criteria on the Bernalillo County Economic Development website.

1/12/23 UPDATE from BernCo Economic Development: “Due to the volume of applications received, no new applications may be started at this time.” Applications received will be processed until all of the $5 million of ARPA funding is exhausted. Grant applications are processed in the order received.