Grant Program To Help Batavia Small Businesses Reopen Safely

BATAVIA, IL — Officials and business leaders in Batavia are looking to support the city’s small businesses by helping them offset the additional costs of reopening amid a pandemic. The City of Batavia, along with the Batavia Chamber of Commerce and Batavia MainStreet, have launched a new initiative to dole out $80,000 in grants to small businesses in the city.

The Batavia Reconnected initiative was to “increase public confidence that Batavia businesses are taking measures to keep their facilities safe,” according to a news release. The program will distribute up to $1,500 to 50 business that apply and meet the eligibility requirements.

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The program is meant to support retail establishments, restaurants, salons, and fitness and dance studios with less than 10 full-time employees, the release states. Grant applications are due by 5 p.m. Tuesday, and businesses will be selected Wednesday using a lottery system.

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The grants can be used to purchase any improvements or safety precautions made necessary by the coronavirus, including hand sanitizer, sneeze screens, protective gears, signs and touchless door handles, the release states.

For more details about the Batavia Reconnected program and how to apply, click here.