Over 100 local businesses supported by Kingston Pandemic Recovery Program
The Kingston Pandemic Recovery Program, a partnership program between Kingston Economic Development Corporation (Kingston EcDev) and The City of Kingston is has been awarded to 111 local businesses.
The program received 264 applications requesting $2.4M in funding, according to a release from Kingston EcDev. This program assists small businesses in Kingston, providing funding for projects that stimulate growth and provide assistance to projects which help businesses adjust to the impacts of the COVID-19 Pandemic. The Kingston Economic Development Corporation Board of Directors, and The City of Kingston have provided over $1.1 million in funding to support business growth and adaptations.
Kingston Economic Development said they, along with the City, recognize that there is a strong demand for recovery programs and are looking at long term solutions to support local businesses as they recover from the economic impacts of the pandemic. Grant applications from businesses were reviewed by an independent adjudication committee of volunteers from the business community that blindly (business names and identifying details removed) reviewed and scored all applications.
“Kingston Economic Development is committed to the economic recovery and revitalization of our community and the staff have focused their expertise and resources to support the local business community throughout the pandemic,” said Gillian Watters, Kingston Economic Development’s Board Chair. “The Board approved the use of $500,000 reserved funds to continue to support business recovery; and the additional investment from the City has made it possible to support more businesses. We are pleased to see both the creative and pragmatic ways in which our local businesses will use these funds to help them to remain vital and to rebound.”
The City of Kingston has contributed $600,000 and Kingston Economic Development Corporation has contributed $500,000 for a total fund of $1.1 million. According to the release, Kingston is unique in providing local grants to support businesses.
“The City in partnership with Kingston Economic Development withdrew $1.1 million from reserve funds in order to help local businesses and meet financial needs that weren’t provided by the provincial or federal programs. We had a strong response in the number of applications we received, and the review panel has been hard at work determining how these funds should be allotted,” said Mayor Paterson. “I’m grateful that we’ll be able to provide funds to 111 businesses. I know the road to economic recovery will be hard but I’m thankful that these funds will help in the process. As a City we’ll continue to look for creative ways to support our local businesses.”
To review the list of businesses that will be receiving the grant visit KingstonEcDev.com/BusinessRecoveryGrant