Small businesses in Antioch still struggling from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic can get some relief from new emergency funding that is now available.
Surrounded by a group of small business owners at City Hall, Thorpe recounted how many small businesses that survived the pandemic are still crippled by the many costs they endured during tough economic times. “So, we’ve got a lot coming that’s going to increase our overall quality of life, but also help you directly as small businesses,” he said.
The Small Business Grant Program offers grants ranging from $5,000 to $15,000, while the Facade Upgrade Program will provide eligible facade upgrade reimbursement payments ranging from $5,000 to $25,000, Reed said. The Facade Upgrade Program meanwhile will provide reimbursement grants ranging from $5,000 to $25,000 for eligible small businesses that have experienced financial losses from the pandemic. The grants can be used on first floor/street level improvements, exterior carpentry, awnings, exterior lighting and more.
“Realistically, we thought we’d close, we were day by day,” he said. “Ten to 13 of my friends that had businesses next door and down the street, across the street went out of business.”
Do you mean by lockdown?