AKRON, Ohio — EDITOR'S NOTE: The video above previously aired on 3News on July 21, 2022.
Akron Mayor Dan Horrigan has announced a new program to provide eligible small businesses with a one-time $10,000 grant.
"Our small businesses are the lifeblood of Akron," Mayor Horrigan said in a statement Wednesday morning. "They have weathered several storms in the past couple of years between the COVID-19 pandemic and ensuing shutdowns, supply chain issues, staffing shortages, and more. The ARPA funding allows us to help these vital establishments to stay in business right here in Akron, and I could not be more excited to get these investments into the hands of our business owners."
The money for the grant comes from $1 million in funding from the American Rescue Plan Act.
Small businesses who meet the criteria below will be able to apply for the funding beginning Monday, Aug. 15. Applications will be due by Friday, Sept. 2. Applications can be submitted HERE.
The Greater Akron Chamber will be overseeing the program and administering the grants to local businesses.
The following are the requirements that must be met to receive the grant:
- Be a legal for-profit business;
- Must be located within a Qualified Census Tract (QCT) in Akron;
- Must have 2 to 50 workers on payroll (including full-time or part-time employees, and owners actively working in the business);
- Be current with income tax and property tax obligations for the business with the City of Akron and County of Summit;
- In operation in the City of Akron on or before January 1, 2020;
- Must be able to describe how the business has been negatively impacted due to a reduction in business activity or increase in supply chain costs related to COVID-19 pandemic or related public health restrictions and order
A full list of requirements can be found HERE.
Anyone with questions about the program is asked to contact the Greater Akron Chamber at AkronGrant@GreaterAkronChamber.org or 330-237-1219.
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