Bethel Awards COVID Grants to Small Businesses

The Town of Bethel is pleased to announce that its Small Business Assistance Program has awarded nearly $128,000 in grants to 34 Bethel-based small businesses (25 or fewer employees) that have been adversely affected by the COVID pandemic. Bethel’s Economic Development Commission (EDC) created the program, which is funded by ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act).

“Bethel was awarded about $5.8 million by ARPA for use through 2022,” said Matt Knickerbocker, the town’s first selectman. “Our EDC, working with Janice Chrzescijanek, director of the Economic Development Department, decided that the first use of this money should be to help small businesses deal with the impact of COVID.” Applicants had to demonstrate an economic hardship, their plan for use of the funds and the impact funding will have.

Grants of $5,000, the maximum amount available, were made to 12 of the awardees. With a total of 12, food and beverage businesses represent the largest segment of awards, and these include pizza parlors, a diner, coffee shop, chocolatier and several restaurants. Other segments include a bookstore, toy store, jeweler, tax service provider, animal rescue, fitness and gymnastics, home care, and day care, to name a few.

“The diversity and sheer number of small businesses receiving grants demonstrate the vitality of the Bethel economy,” said Ms. Chrzescijanek. “The awards will help address some of the challenges that the pandemic has created and will make these businesses, and therefore our community, even stronger.”

The EDC is planning a second round of awards in early 2022 to small businesses that, for various reasons, did not apply in time for the first round. “Bethel is a business-friendly town,” said EDC Chairman Boyle. “Our Small Business Assistance Program is at the forefront in the greater Danbury area in providing real checks to businesses during this challenging time.”