Recipients Named For Stamford Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grants

STAMFORD, CT —On Thursday, Stamford Mayor Caroline Simmons and Director of Economic Development Leah Kagan were joined by small business owners and community leaders to announce the 176 recipients of the city of Stamford Small Business COVID-19 relief grants.

In 2022, Simmons proposed appropriating $1.5 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding to provide grants to Stamford small businesses that were impacted due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The appropriation was approved by the city’s board of finance and board of representatives.

This past spring, Stamford’s Office of Economic Development launched the application period and met with over 200 business owners to provide information about this grant opportunity. More than 250 businesses applied, with 176 businesses meeting all federal and local eligibility criteria.

Of the 176 recipients, 120 are minority or women-owned businesses, including 34 which are Hispanic-owned businesses.

Reflecting the impact that the COVID-19 pandemic had on the hospitality industry, the food service and restaurant industry accounted for the highest number of eligible businesses, 43, to receive the grant.

Additional industries include tourism and entertainment businesses, child care centers, and fitness studios. Each recipient will receive a grant of $8,063.99.

>>>To view all of the grant winners, click here

"When I came into office, we were in the midst of the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic and heard every day from businesses who were struggling," Simmons said in a news release. "In response, one of my first priorities was to direct remaining ARPA funding to this grant opportunity, with the goal of providing relief to supporting our small businesses. This grant provides extra support to small businesses who are still recovering financially from the impacts of the pandemic and allows them to thrive and continue serving our Stamford community."

Kagan said supporting Stamford's small businesses is a priority for the office of economic development.

"Small businesses are the backbone of our community and add vibrancy to our city, making it an attractive place to live, work, and play," Kagan said in a news release. "Through this grant, we are providing support to some of the industries that were hit the hardest during the pandemic and I want to thank Mayor Simmons and our city boards for their partnership in allocating and approving this funding."