City Of Rochester Expands Support For Businesses During Pandemic

Press release from the City of Rochester:

December 28 2020

Mayor Lovely A. Warren announced today that the City is continuing to expand and improve upon funding programs that are supporting small businesses during the coronavirus pandemic.

“I am proud to help the small businesses that are fighting so hard to stay open during the pandemic,” said Mayor Warren “These businesses are the anchors of our neighborhoods and local economy, so we must do everything we can to get them ready for a full recovery. Supporting local business is a crucial first step in our efforts to create more jobs, safer and more vibrant neighborhoods and better educational opportunities.”

With pandemic restrictions expected to continue through the winter, the City is announcing the following program additions and updates. Information and application for these programs can be found at www.cityofrochester.gov/BusinessResources.

ORDER Grant, E-Commerce Support:

The new ORDER Grant (Online Resources Delivering Excellent Results) provides up to $5,000 to businesses seeking to develop or upgrade their capacity for E-commerce, including web-based ordering, payment and delivery management. These tools have become even more important during the pandemic, helping to sustain businesses with customer friendly options that limit physical contact. To receive an ORDER Grant, businesses must have been operating within the city prior to Jan. 1, 2020 and be in good standing with all municipal requirements, including zoning codes, taxes and fees, insurance and fair hiring practices.

Business Emergency Retention Grant (BERG), Increased Grant Limit:

The City is increasing the grant limit for the BERG program from $5,000 to $8,000 per business. The funds can be used for a variety of working capital uses and unpaid bills including rent, insurance, inventory and utilities, making the grant very flexible. New grant limits will go into effect Jan. 1. Any business with an application in process can submit an amendment to seek additional funding under the new limit. Businesses that have been awarded grants under a previous limit can also apply for additional funding.

To date, more than $1.5 million has been awarded to more than 600 businesses under the program.

Note: NBD Commissioner Gary Kirkmire will be available for media interviews about the new small business support grants at 10:30 a.m. tomorrow (Tuesday, Dec. 29) via Zoom. Please contact Bridgette Burch White if you are interested in arranging an interview.

News media: For more information, contact Bridgette Burch White at (585) 428-6064 or Bridgette.Burchwhite@cityofrochester.gov.

This press release was produced by the City of Rochester. The views expressed here are the author’s own.