On June 2, 2020, Governor Bill Lee announced the use of federal Coronavirus Relief Funds to assist Tennessee small businesses impacted by the COVID-19 crisis. Governor Lee has directed the Tennessee Department of Revenue to issue business relief payments through the Tennessee Business Relief Program to small businesses for costs incurred as a result of mandatory business closures.
The department will determine a business’ eligibility for the Tennessee Business Relief Program based on information available in its tax system. Eligibility notifications will be sent to businesses beginning the last week of June. Once notified, businesses will be prompted to complete an online pre-award certification form in order to verify their eligibility criteria and agree to the program’s payment guidelines. Businesses owners who do not have online access will be asked to complete a paper certification form.
Once the certification form has been completed and a business’ eligibility is confirmed, the department will issue a business relief payment. Payments for eligible businesses will be issued beginning the first week of July. For additional information on the Tennessee Business Relief Program, please see the frequently asked questions below: