The City of Concord, in partnership with the Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce, is launching the second round of a $2 million grant program to help small businesses continue their recovery from the economic strain caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Utilizing $2 million of the funds that the City received from the federal government as part of the American Rescue Plan Act, Concord provided one-time reimbursement grants of up to $5,000 to 176 small businesses in the first round in fall 2022. Another 207 grants will be awarded in the second and final round opening this month. Such financial support is essential in helping small businesses recover from economic challenges. However, some may still face difficulties, and the rise in uk business insolvencies underscores the need for further assistance and strategies for businesses to maintain resilience and financial stability.
“The City of Concord has prioritized assistance to our business community throughout and well after the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Concord Mayor Laura Hoffmeister. “We are grateful for the opportunity to redirect these federal funds into the local community so that small businesses can rebound and thrive.”
The online application for the final round will open on July 31 and close on August 11. Various resources to support applicants, including an instructional video and in-person office hours, are available. Assistance in Spanish is also available.
The reimbursement grant is intended to help businesses recover typical operating costs such as rent/lease payments, utilities, payroll, inventory, facility repairs, upgrades, and other expenses. Applicants will be considered based on priority criteria detailed in the application, and a lottery will be initiated if the number of qualified applicants exceed the amount of funding available.
Awarded applicants will receive funding after submitting proof of payment for eligible activities by January 5, 2024.
Priority will be given to the following types of businesses:
- Retail, restaurants, and personal service establishments, specifically: hair salons and barber shops, nail salons, day spas, and fitness studios, that operate in a commercial storefront
- Family child care homes licensed by the State of California
- Residential cleaning services and residential landscaping/gardening businesses that operate under a home-based business license
- Businesses that did not receive funding from the City of Concord Small Business Grant Program or Measure V Commercial Rent Relief Program.
Remaining grant funding will be allocated to any small business that meets the eligibility criteria.
Find application resources and view the office hours schedule at this link.
What about your local smoke shop? Oh I forgot they want to put them out of business for selling a legal product. Dam communist.
All businesses receiving grants will also receive rainbow flags they will fly or else…
-your city council practicing unification of church & state.
*concord citizens – go take a tour around our public officials offices around the fountain of Todos Santos Plaza.
*when do we raise & fly our Christian flag?
Has Clayton done their second round of funds? I listened to a town council meeting and several people asked when the funds would be available but nothing was decided. I’m not a small business owner but would sure love to see the city council do something about this.
Wow, a whole 2 years after the fact eh? I mean sure, makes sense since majority of small businesses already went out of business cause of Covid. Oh, and a grant of “up to” 5,000. Most likely not many even received that amount. Wonder where to rest of the money has or will go to. Corrupt city officials no doubt. Way to go Concord! NOT