Sandy Springs Helps 160 Businesses With Financial Aid

SANDY SPRINGS, GA — An estimated 160 local businesses in Sandy Springs will receive financial aid as part of the city’s Small Business Relief Assistance Program, including contributions by the Sandy Springs Development Authority. The program targeted Sandy Springs businesses with 99 or fewer employees.

“Our small businesses are the heart of our community and economy," Sandy Springs Mayor Rusty Paul said. "This relief program is an investment to help ensure our local business owners have the resources they need to keep going,”

The city received 182 applications, with 160 businesses eligible for funding, totaling just over $1.6 million. Companies not located in Sandy Springs, those publicly traded, partially owned by a hedge fund, or a corporate-owned franchise were not eligible.

In November 2020, the city council allocated $1.2 million to aid small business in Sandy Springs who experienced a loss of revenue because of the coronavirus pandemic and met funding criteria. In January, the Sandy Springs Development Authority approved a $100,000 contribution to help in that effort. During the city council’s Feb. 16 meeting, the council approved adding an additional $277,223 to the fund, with the expectation of the Sandy Springs Development Authority contributing an additional $50,000 during its special-called meeting scheduled for Feb. 18.

At least 79 percent of the businesses that applied for assistance have operated in Sandy Springs since at least 2005.

Of all eligible applications, 28 percent were sole proprietors or businesses with only one employee, 38 percent had two to 10 employees, and 34 percent of applications came from businesses with 11 to 99 employees. Overall, companies saw a 37 percent decline in revenue from 2019 to 2020. Businesses with 10 or fewer employees saw the most significant drop in year-over-year revenue, averaging 41 percent. At least 26 percent of eligible applications came from Accommodation and Food Services businesses.

The Sandy Springs Perimeter Chamber assisted the city with the administration and evaluation of applications. Those notified that their application for assistance was approved will complete a contract with the city. Regular audits will ensure recipients remain in compliance with the obligations set forth in the contract.

For more information about the City of Sandy Springs, visit online, or call the Citizen Response Center at 770-730-5600.