Through its designated COVID-19 Recovery Small Business Funding, the City of Pittsfield has awarded roughly $464,000 to just over 60 small businesses in the city, resulting in the creation, and or, retention of an estimated 286 jobs. The small business fund is part of the City’s comprehensive and robust COVID-19 Economic Recovery Program established by Mayor Linda Tyer in April.  

The Mayor’s Office said in a media release that the small business recovery grants are funded by two sources: $350,000 from the CARES Act, which is awarded through the Community Development Block Grant administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development; and $200,000 from the city’s Small Business Fund.

Like many communities across the country, the pandemic has had a tremendous impact on small businesses in Pittsfield. With this funding, our local businesses will be able to meet some of their critical financial needs brought on by this global health crisis. I am pleased to know that these awards will help to support the vitality and longevity of our city’s small businesses which are integral to Pittsfield’s success. ~ Mayor Linda Tyer.

 

According to the media release, sixty-two applications were submitted for funding assistance from the city’s COVID-19 Recovery Fund. Businesses which received funding include those from the following industries: hospitality, restaurants, spas/salons, recreational and fitness, builders, markets, and retail, and entertainment.

Sixty-seven percent of the businesses funded are owned by women and minorities. Grant awards range from $3,500 to $10,000. Award selections were guided by analyses done by the city’s Department of Community Development and recommendations from the Pittsfield Economic Revitalization Corporation Board of Directors.

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