Applications for small business grants available beginning Monday
The City of Arcadia has created a COVID-19 Small Business Grant Program under the new Arcadia Works economic recovery plan, utilizing $245,000 in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds. These funds, primarily provided under the federally funded CARES Act to assist with COVID-19 relief, will be directly disbursed to small Arcadia businesses. Applications will be accepted beginning Monday, May 11, 2020 through Wednesday, May 20, 2020, at 5:30 p.m. Grants will be issued based on a lottery of all qualifying applications.
“The public health emergency orders that have been issued to combat the COVID-19 pandemic and the negative economic impact on businesses have created an unprecedented need to direct financial resources to Arcadia’s small business community,” said Jason Kruckeberg, assistant city manager/development services director. “The City is doing what it can to help keep business moving under the existing public health orders, and is committed to assisting businesses once they can ultimately reopen as these orders are lifted.”
The COVID-19 Small Business Grants represent an effort to provide direct relief to as many local businesses as possible. An application form has been developed along with accompanying criteria. Grants of $5,000 will be awarded until all available funding is utilized. All Arcadia small businesses are encouraged to apply. Program details, qualifying criteria, and the application are available at ArcadiaCA.gov/LocalBusiness.
“There is an old saying that when the going gets tough, the tough get going,” said Mayor Roger Chandler. “This is a difficult time for our country, state, and city. The small business assistance grant will help businesses that have been impacted by COVID-19.”
The COVID-19 Small Business Grant Program is part of a larger economic recovery plan called the Arcadia Works! Program. In addition to the grants, the City is providing other local resources and initiatives, including business license renewal payment extensions, business assistance ombudsman services, partnership with the Arcadia Chamber of Commerce in outreach and marketing for businesses, and potentially a small business loan program. Visit ArcadiaCA.gov/LocalBusiness for more information, and stay tuned for additional announcements in the coming weeks.
For more information on the grant program, or for any questions or assistance, contact the Development Services Department by phone at (626) 574-5409 or by email at DSD@ArcadiaCA.gov.
