79 Small Biz Grants In Montclair Will Help With COVID Losses

MONTCLAIR, NJ — Montclair has awarded dozens of grants to local small businesses as part of a campaign to help them survive the coronavirus pandemic.

In June, Montclair town officials announced that the municipality was making $150,000 in grant funding available. Qualifying businesses will receive a $1,000 grant check to help cover costs for equipment and other necessities and expenditures related to the public health emergency caused by COVID-19.

• See related article: Montclair Rolls Out COVID Recovery Plan For Local Businesses

Since then, 79 small business emergency grants have been approved and the inaugural round of funding has gone out, Montclair officials said Sunday.

During a news conference on Church Street last week, Montclair Mayor Sean Spiller, Councilor-at-Large Bob Russo and Second Ward Councilor Robin Schlager presented the first check to Chris Ioannou, owner of the Montclair House Grill.

Ioannou said the funds “really help,” especially with rising expenses due to the coronavirus.

“Everything went up,” he said.

Additional township business recovery efforts include:

• The #LoveOurMontclair digital campaign
• Waiving (or refunding if already paid) the 2020 sidewalk café permit fee
• Expanded Sidewalk Café Licenses
• Working with the BID and other business districts to close streets to create additional outdoor space for patrons

“We are pleased to be able to provide financial aid to our local businesses to help them cover at least some of the tremendous costs they’ve incurred as a result of the pandemic,” Spiller said.

“Small businesses are a key part of our wonderful community,” the mayor added. “The township grants and other measures our council is taking will provide much-needed assistance to help our local businesses get through this devastating public health and economic crisis.”

“Our small businesses are the lifeblood of our communities and our local economy,” Deputy Mayor William Hurlock said. “We applaud the tremendous efforts they’ve made throughout these difficult times and we are proud to offer our support through the small business grants and other measures we have put in place.”

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