lifeline-grant Program
Up to $25,000 For Eligible Small Businesses
Apply by June 1, 2026
Mayor Melton and the City of Gary are proud to introduce the Lifeline Grant Program, a small business investment initiative designed to strengthen local businesses, support entrepreneurs, and revitalize commercial corridors throughout the city. Through this program, the City of Gary will provide grants of up to $25,000 to eligible small businesses to help them stabilize, grow, and create jobs. The Lifeline Grant Program reflects Gary’s commitment to empowering local business owners and building a stronger, more resilient economy.
All applications must be submitted online through the OpenGov application portal. Paper and fax applications will not be considered.
While your online application will be saved, in case of glitches, it is best to write your answers down somewhere else, and then paste them into the application.
Please see the eligibility criteria below. To acknowledge and apply through OpenGov, please click the "Agree & Apply" button below.
A small business investment initiative designed to strengthen local businesses, support entrepreneurs, and revitalize commercial corridors throughout the city.
APPLY BY JUNE 1, 2026
PROGRAM GOALS
The Lifeline Grant Program aims to:
- Provide financial support to small businesses operating in Gary
- Encourage business growth and job creation
- Strengthen neighborhood commercial corridors
- Support storefront improvements and customer experience upgrades
- Promote long-term economic vitality across the city
ELIGIBLE USES OF FUNDS
Businesses may use grant funds for:
- Equipment purchases
- Storefront improvements
- Interior renovations
- Inventory purchases
- Marketing and advertising
- Technology upgrades
- Security improvements
- Professional services
- Working capital to support operations
FUNDING PRIORITIES
Funding priority will be given to businesses that:
- Create or retain jobs for local residents
- Increase access to essential goods or services
- Contribute to vibrant commercial corridors
- Support community gathering, culture, or neighborhood identity
- Advance inclusive economic opportunity
- Demonstrate positive community impact
- Serve historically disinvested communities
INELIGIBLE USES OF FUNDS
Grant funds may NOT be used for:
- Personal expenses
- Debt repayment unrelated to business stabilization
- Political activities or lobbying
- Real estate speculation
- Passive investment activities
- Expenses already reimbursed through another funding source
- Activities inconsistent with charitable community benefit purposes
- Payments to owners beyond reasonable compensation
WHAT YOU’LL GET
Awardees will receive:
- Financial support of up to $25,000 based on requested amount in application
- Access to a platform with experienced mentors, resource providers, and technical assistance advisors
ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS
Applicants must meet all of the following requirements:
- Operate as a for-profit small business
- Have an up-to-date Gary Business License
- Be in good standing with the City of Gary (No unresolved health or city code violations, and current on all city-related taxes. Payment plans may be acceptable under certain conditions)
- Be independently owned and operated
- Have annual revenues over $1,000 and less than $3,000,000
- Be in good standing with state and local licensing and tax requirements (in "paid" or "payment plan" status)
- Be able to demonstrate proof of significant financial need when requested
- Have a for-profit business located within City of Gary city limits
- Have fewer than 20 employees
- Submit a complete application (incomplete applications will not be considered)
- Must recognize that all applications are scored by a committee based on a rubric with set criteria
All applications must be submitted online through the application portal. Paper and fax applications will not be considered.
While your online application will be saved, it is always best to write your answers down somewhere else, and then paste them into this application.
To acknowledge and apply through OpenGov, please click the "Agree & Apply" button below.
FAQs
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
A: Yes. Unfortunately, due to the large volume of applications we expect to have, it would not be fair to those who worked hard to create thoughtful applications turned in before the deadline to then make exceptions. This is why the deadline is at 11:59pm CST on the due date. No exceptions. We encourage you to start well before you need to, please do not wait until the last minute. Putting together a thoughtful application will likely take significantly longer than you think it will, so PLEASE start early.
A: The committee will want to see realistic need breakdowns, and realistic numbers associated with what it will take to get you to the next level. While there is no penalty for asking for the full $25,000, the committee will also be looking to serve as many people as possible with the limited $300,000 in funds it has available.
A: Awardees will have two options: 1. Receive reimbursements for their receipts/invoices, or 2. Receive half upfront, then two additional payments based on milestones.
A: Winners will be placed in an online community where they will have access to entrepreneur mentors, City of Gary staff, potential resources, and technical assistance providers through partnerships we are currently developing. We will be working diligently to provide awardees with tools they need for achieving further success! Participation will not be mandatory, but will be highly beneficial for those who engage!
A: The application process will take 3 weeks from the application deadline. All applicants will be notified if their application was successful or not successful. The Mayor will be presented with the results to announce at a future date.
A: Very. How else will the committee know who you are, what you do, and how you plan to use this money to realistically create jobs and growth? Please do not assume that the external selection committee knows who you (or your business) are.
A: No, unfortunately your business must be located within Gary city limits.
A: Yes, you are still eligible as long as you have held a Gary Business License in the past, and are current on your license at the time your application is submitted.
A: No, letters of recommendation are nice to have, however they are by no means required.
A: Unfortunately, businesses must have been in operation for at least one (1) year prior to applying.
A: While no business will be disqualified based on revenue, the external committee will strongly prioritize applicants with more than $1,000 in revenue and less than $3,000,000.
A: No, the Mayor’s office will have no influence over who is awarded the grants. Applications will be judged by an external committee of small business experts and business owners. None of which have businesses within the City of Gary.
A: If you still have questions, please reach out to the Economic Development Department