Both small business owners and Owensboro residents lined up at City Hall on Monday, eager to apply for the emergency relief programs announced last week by the City.
The City received 111 applications for the Small Business Relief Fund — a program that only has enough funding for 120 eligible businesses — according to City Manager Nate Pagan.
The Small Business Relief Fund supports eligible small businesses of 10 or fewer employees with a $2,500 grant that will not have to be repaid. Last week, Pagan said small businesses would have to show a negative financial impact from COVID-19 in order to be eligible for the program.
If all 111 businesses that applied on the first day are eligible for their $2,500 share, that would leave only $22,500 for those who still want to apply.
Pagan said the City still has to review the applications before the funds are allocated, but eligible applications will be approved on a first-come, first-served basis.
“We really didn’t have a good way to model what the response would be because we’ve never run a program like this before,” Pagan said. “But we anticipated a pretty good turnout based on the phone calls and questions we received after making the announcement.”
Meanwhile, there were 38 applications for the City’s Low Income Rental Assistance program, which covers up to three months’ rent for those who earn less than 80 percent of the area median income for their household size.
Again, the City will have to review the applications and weigh out the criteria before determining when — or if — those funds will run out after Monday’s list of applicants. Much of it will depend on each applicant’s rent amount and how it all totals up.
Small business owners and individuals still wishing to apply for these grants can do so online; by dropping applications off at City Hall, 1010 E. 4th Street (on Allen Street side of the building); or by mailing to P.O. Box 10003, Owensboro, KY 42302-9003.
Those wanting a hard copy of the applications can call 270-687-8658 or pick them up at City Hall, in the foyer on the Allen Street side of the building.
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For the latest information and data on COVID-19 in Kentucky visit kycovid19.ky.gov or dial the Kentucky state hotline at 800-722-5725.
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