Use of Grant Funds – Terms & Conditions

As a recipient of grant funding through Start Garden’s Small Business Support Hub Program, all grantees must comply with the following rules regarding the use of funds. These terms are in accordance with the grant agreement and federal regulations governing the program:

1. Permissible Use of Funds
   Grant funds must be used solely for eligible business expenses that support startup growth, operational capacity, and sustainability. Approved expenditures include:
   • Purchasing initial inventory or raw materials
   • Marketing and promotional costs (branding, advertising, website development)
   • Equipment and technology necessary for business operations
   • Business-related legal and compliance fees (licenses, permits, certifications)
   • Professional development or training essential for business growth
2. Prohibited Use of Funds
   Grant funds may not be used for:
   • Personal expenses or debt repayment
   • Salaries or wages for business owners
   • Purchase of real estate or long-term capital investments
   • Political activities, lobbying, or donations
   • Any expenses not directly related to business operations
3. Compliance and Reporting Requirements
• Recipients must maintain detailed records and receipts of all grant expenditures for at least three years after the grant period.
• Recipients may be required to submit progress updates and financial reports to verify proper use of funds.
• Start Garden reserves the right to request documentation, conduct follow-up assessments, or revoke funding if misuse is discovered.
4. Prevention of Duplicate Funding
• Applicants must disclose any other sources of federal or state funding received for the same business expenses.
• Receiving duplicate funding for the same purpose from multiple programs may result in repayment obligations and disqualification from future funding.
5. Agreement to Terms
   By accepting a grant, recipients agree to comply with these terms and conditions. Failure to adhere to these requirements may result in the need to repay funds, ineligibility for future grants, or further action as required by federal and state regulations.