Article by: Rebecca Charles
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to put small businesses in jeopardy of closing their doors, the LeRoy Economic Development Authority (EDA) worked with the LeRoy City Council to provide grant funding to help keep them open. The LeRoy EDA was able to create a Small Business Grant which was offered to local businesses for grants of up to $5,000. Funding was allocated to the EDA by the City Council from the funding provided in the federal CARES Act.
In early November the EDA approved the applications of eight local businesses in the amount of $34,376.00. Awarded businesses include: Classic Carpets & Interiors ($5,000), Daisie Fox’s Daycare ($5,000), Ed’s Floral & Gifts ($3,021), House of Hair ($5,000), LeRoy Auto Clinic ($5,000), Sweets HERB ($5,000), Travel Lanes & Supper Club ($5,000) and Trish’s Heavenly Designs ($1,355). Charles will provide oversight on this project until all supporting documents have been received, ensuring all funding is accounted for.
“It is clear that these funds are not enough to make up for the losses that most businesses have accrued in 2020” says Charles, “However, the funds have allowed a number of these businesses the breathing room that they need to ensure the survival of their businesses.” As more state and federal aid becomes available in the start of the new year, the LeRoy EDA will be working to secure as much aid as possible for local businesses of both for profit and non-profit businesses and organizations.
