The Wildfire Business Assistance Grant Program provides emergency assistance to business owners and self-employed individuals whose businesses were physically damaged or saw reduced revenue due to recent wildfires. The $1.5 million temporary grant program offers support when federal assistance falls short.
Businesses that qualify for assistance must be inside the boundaries of the Presidential Disaster Declaration for the Big Hole, Calf Canyon/Hermit’s Peak, Cooks Peak, and McBride fires. Those areas are Colfax, San Miguel, and Mora Counties, parts of Lincoln County (ZIP codes 88345 and 88312) and Valencia County (ZIP code 87002); and regions of Sandoval and Los Alamos counties impacted by wildfire and evacuations. (Sample image depicts one recent fire scar but should NOT be used to determine eligibility.)
Eligible businesses can qualify to receive between $5,000 and $20,000. All types of businesses qualify for assistance, including restaurants and hospitality services, if they can demonstrate that operations were physically damaged or impacted by the fires.
The application portal will be open for two weeks starting August 15 and ending on August 26. If funds are still available, additional application periods will be announced. The program will close when funds are exhausted or on Dec. 1, 2022, whichever occurs first.
To qualify, a business must demonstrate that it:
- Is legally operating in New Mexico with a CRS number.
- Has a business address located in a wildfire-impacted area or the majority of business operations occur in a wildfire-impacted area.
- Has experienced physical fire damage to business property and/or the business’s revenue declined due to the fires.
To receive funding beyond $5,000, businesses must either provide an insurance claim showing fire damage or provide proof of revenue decline due to the wildfire.
Funds from the grant can be used for construction and repair costs, operating capital, asset purchases, and administrative costs.
For more information on the program, contact edd.wildfiregrant@state.nm.us or call 505-827-0300.
Applicants are encouraged to watch the webinar hosted by the New Mexico Economic Development Department which provides an overview of the program and the application process.