The Economic Development Department’s Community Navigator Program supports local businesses, non-profit organizations, and creative professionals impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Local entities can apply for no-cost assistance from Community Navigators for one-on-one coaching, virtual classes, and applying for government and philanthropic support. This program was approved by Austin City Council from Austin’s allocation of the federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). 

To be eligible, local entities must be located in the Austin-Round Rock Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA). The Austin-Round Rock MSA includes Bastrop, Caldwell, Hays, Travis, and Williamson counties.  

 

Apply for Community Navigator assistance

Solicite asistencia de un Navegador Comunitario 

申请社区导航援助

 申請社區導航援助

Demander l'aide Navigateur Communautaire 

समुदाय नेविगेटर सहायता के लिए आवेदन करें 

지역사회 네비게이터 지원 신청  

Nộp đơn xin trợ giúp từ Các Cơ Quan Điều Hướng Cộng Đồng 

Technical Registration Assistance: 

Austin Revitalization Authority - Email Catalina Landon at catalina@onthemoneyfinance.com or call (512) 839-8462

How to Create a City Account

Watch a video on How to Create a City Account.  | Cómo crear una cuenta con la Ciudad.

 

Create An Account – For First-Time Users

  • Step 1: Visit the Economic Development Department Application Portal
  • Step 2: Click the “Create Account” icon.  
  • Step 3: Enter the required information and click the “Submit” button.  
  • Step 4: After completing account creation, you will be prompted to fill out your profile information.  
  • Step 5: After updating your profile information, you will be redirected to the home screen to begin the application process. 

 

How to Redeem Your Access Code

If you have previously applied for a City of Austin Economic Development Department grant or program, you may need to redeem an access code to confirm and access your account.  

If you received a ‘Your email is connected to our system’ message, follow the steps below to confirm and access your account.  

  • Step 1: Visit the Economic Development Department Application Portal
  • Step 2: Click the “Create Account” icon.  
  • Step 3: Enter the required information and click the “Submit” button.    
  • Step 4: If your information is in our database, your access code will be displayed. 
  • Step 5: Copy the one-time access code and enter into the Access Code tab.  
  • Step 6: After you confirm your account, you will be directed to complete your account creation using the “Create Account” tab. 
Community Navigator Services

Registrants can choose to receive services from a range of trusted and diverse Community Navigators. In addition to the Community Navigators, Austin Revitalization Authority is available to assist with stakeholder engagement to local creative professionals. 

See all Community Navigators and services provided: 

 

Partner Name Service Option Entities Served
Austin Revitalization Authority 
  • Application assistance for grants and resources 
  • Small businesses 
  • Non-profit organizations 
  • Creative professionals 
Business & Community Lenders (BCL) of Texas 
  • One-on-one assistance  
  • Business classes 
  • Application assistance for grants and resources
  • Small businesses 
Economic Growth Business Incubator 
  • One-on-one assistance  
  • Business classes (may offer at a subsidized cost)
  • Application assistance for grants and resources 
  • Small businesses 
Health Alliance for Austin Musicians (HAAM) 
  • Federal healthcare enrollment  
  • Creative professionals  
Mission Capital  
  • One-on-one assistance  
  • Business classes 
  • Application assistance for grants and resources 
  • Non-profit organizations 
On the Money Finance LLC 
  • One-on-one assistance  
  • Application assistance for grants and resources 
  • Small businesses 
  • Non-profit organizations 
  • Creative professionals 
The Volt Studios 
  • One-on-one assistance  
  • Business classes 
  • Small businesses 
Visual Matters Consulting 
  • One-on-one assistance  
  • Business classes 
  • Application assistance for grants and resources 
  • Small businesses  
  • Non-profit organizations  
Frequently Asked Questions

 

What types of assistance do the Community Navigators provide?  

The Community Navigators offer one-on-one coaching, business classes, and application assistance for grants and resources. Examples of topics for one-on-one coaching and business classes include: 

  • Strategic planning 
  • Disaster recovery and resiliency best practices 
  • Financial guidance like credit counseling and financial literacy 
  • Business planning 
  • Strategic marketing and communications 

 

Is this registration available in multiple languages?  

Yes. This registration is available in English, Chinese (Simplified and Traditional), French, Hindi, Korean, Spanish, and Vietnamese. If you need the application in another language, please contact ATXrecovers@austintexas.gov. The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. 

 

How were Community Navigators selected?    

The Economic Development Department selected third-party partners for this program through a competitive Request for Applicants process between September and October 2021.     

 

Is there a cost for services provided through the Community Navigator Program?   

No. The services are delivered to registrants at no cost.   

  

How are registrants assigned to a Community Navigator?  

Registrants can indicate their preference for a specific Community Navigator during the registration process. If a registrant does not have a preferred Community Navigator, then the Economic Development Department will assign a registrant based on the registrant’s needs noted during the registration process. 

 

What are the next steps after I submit my registration information?   

If you selected a specific Community Navigator to work with, they will reach out via phone or email within the next three business days to set up your next meeting. If you did not select a specific Community Navigator one will be assigned to you based on your needs, and they will reach out to you via phone or email within the next three business days. 

 

Is my information subject to open records laws?    

The information registrants provide is processed by the City of Austin’s administrator (third-party administrator or in-house) for the purposes of determining eligibility for the program. Third-parties are contractually obligated not to use this information for any other purpose. The information the registrant provides is also subject to the provisions of the Texas Public Information Act and might be released to the public through a Public Information Request in accordance with Chapter 552 of the Government Code. In the event any registrant information is being requested through a Public Information Request, the City will notify the registrant to give an opportunity to object to the disclosure of information. Please contact the City of Austin Economic Development Department at EDD@austintexas.gov or 512-974-7819 if you have questions regarding this notice. 

 

Will I get confirmation that my registration has been received?   

Yes. Registrants will receive a confirmation email at the email address provided in the registration.  

 

Can a registrant apply for more than one service?  

Yes. A registrant can apply for one or more services offered through the Community Navigator Program. Registrants will be able to select their preferred service(s) through the registration process.