Westerly, RI-- The Town of Westerly and Ocean Community Chamber of Commerce are seeking applications for one final grant of $3,500 that is available through the Town’s Covid Response Grant. The program offers a chance for a one-time allocation of funds to help small businesses and nonprofits in our community who were adversely affected by Covid-19. The program was initially funded with $100,000 of the Town of Westerly’s American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) allocation of funds and is intended to support investments that help our local economy continue to address Covid-19 impact and recovery. Due to one recipient underspending their approved allocation, there is now some remaining funds left in the program. All monies must be spent by grant recipients by December 31, 2023. $2,500 is now available for Loss of Business and an additional $1,000 is available to support business sustainability, but that $1,000 would require a 100% match of the $1,000 by the applicant.
Applications will be considered for privately held businesses and nonprofit organizations located, registered, and licensed (if applicable) to operate in the Town of Westerly. Those established after October 1, 2021 are not eligible. Proof of losses and comparative tax filings are required as part of the process. A committee reviews the confidential information, and a decision will be rendered by November 22, 2023.
Deadline to Apply- 5:00pm on November 17, 2023.
The program was the result of a proposal made by the Ocean Community Chamber of Commerce. The OCCC is partnering with the Town of Westerly by providing administrative services and serving as the fiduciary agent. “We continue to focus on ways to support Westerly’s small business community by providing them with tools to help them thrive. This grant program is aligned perfectly with our mission, the spirit of the ARPA funding, and with our grant administration experience. We are honored to partner with the Town.” said Joanna Valentini, President of the Ocean Community Chamber of Commerce.
Grant details may be found: https://www.oceanchamber.org/business-links