Three Columbus groups are working together to provide grants to local businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The grant will provide up to $ 4,000 to 28 companies (totaling $ 112,000) to reimburse costs such as rent, mortgage, utilities, and wages and salaries for employees, according to a press release from StartUP Columbus.
The program is a partnership between the Community Reinvestment Division of the Columbus Consolidated Government, StartUP Columbus, and the Greater Columbus Chamber of Commerce.
“As more Columbus residents become fully vaccinated against COVID-19, we are making headway towards normal – but many of our local small businesses still face a long and uncertain road to recovery,” said Robert Scott, director of Columbus’ Community Reinvestment Division , said. “The pandemic and the resulting economic downturn have been devastating to too many of our small businesses.”
The program is funded under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act through the US Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Community Development Block Grant program, Ben MacMinn, director of StartUP Columbus, told the Ledger Enquirer.
Applicants must meet certain criteria in order to qualify for the grants, some of which include with between one and 25 employees, a Muscogee County business license and a good reputation with the City of Columbus.
The application period began on May 1st and ends on May 30th. Companies can apply via the StartUP Columbus website.
Applications must be submitted by the business owner, partner, or an authorized member of the company.
“We understand how severe the pandemic has been for (businesses) and we hope this grant makes doing business a little easier,” said Ben MacMinn, executive director of StartUP Columbus. “We’re proud to work with the city and get those dollars into businesses as quickly as possible.”
Ledger Enquirer sports reporter Joshua Mixon has covered everything from the SEC championship to girl flag football. He covers the preparatory sports of Auburn and Chattahoochee Valley and is a member of the Football Writers Association of America. He previously reported on Georgia athletics for the Telegraph. You can follow him on Twitter @JoshDMixon.
