Phoenix and Valley Metro Extend Grant Program for Small Businesses Affected by Light Rail Construction
IStock

Phoenix and Valley Metro Extend Grant Program for Small Businesses Affected by Light Rail Construction

Financial Assistance Program Offers Up to $9,000 in Aid for Eligible Businesses Through March 2025

PHOENIX — The city of Phoenix and Valley Metro have extended the Small Business Financial Assistance Program (SBFAP) to support businesses impacted by ongoing light rail construction. The program, originally set to end in 2024, will now run through March 31, 2025.

Since its launch in 2021, the SBFAP has awarded more than 270 grants totaling over $1.5 million to small businesses along the South Central Extension and Downtown Hub construction corridors.

Extended Support for Affected Businesses

The extended program will allow eligible businesses to apply for grants of up to $9,000 to offset revenue losses caused by construction. In 2024 alone, the program distributed over $400,000 to 65 businesses in the affected areas.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the grant, businesses must meet the following criteria:

  • Be located along the South Central Extension/Downtown Hub.
  • Have annual revenue under $750,000 and fewer than 15 employees.
  • Have been in operation since before June 2019.
  • Demonstrate a loss of revenue compared to pre-construction levels.

Additional requirements and the application portal are available online.

Continued Investment in Local Businesses

The grant extension reflects Phoenix and Valley Metro’s commitment to supporting small businesses during light rail construction, which aims to improve transit infrastructure in the city.

Business owners are encouraged to apply promptly to take advantage of the program before the March 31 deadline.