BURRILLVILLE – The town of Burrillville has awarded $37,000 to local businesses through the Take It Outside grant program and still has more than $25,000 to distribute, with a second round of funding scheduled to begin on Tuesday, Dec. 1.
The grant is just one of several available to Rhode Island businesses suffering from economic loss during COVID-19, and town officials are promoting opportunities to help those who may be struggling.
The town received $75,000 in funds through the state-run program, aimed at helping town businesses to stay open outside as the winter begins to set in. While funding is available the town of Burrillville is making items and services available free of charge to businesses and other eligible entities to help sustain operations.
According to Nicole Stockwell, administrative aide for the town’s Planning & Economic Development department, $37,000 in funding has already been awarded to 11 Burrillville businesses and another $8,000 in applications are pending, leaving approximately $25,000 to be awarded.
“We have had conversations with most of the local businesses and anticipate several more applications to come in within the next week or so,” Stockwell said.
During round two of the grant program, set to begin on December 1, the Planning Department will continue to accept applications, and will also accept additional requests from applicants that were awarded funding in round 1.
The town will be accepting applications for grants until funding is depleted and the average estimated value of items distributed to each applicant is expected to be between $2,000 to $3,000 in value. According to a release on the grant, the amount could be higher or lower, depending on the number of requests received, and if additional grant funds become available.
Questions about the Take It Outside Grant can be directed to 401-568-4300 ext. 131 or planning@burrillville.org. Applications can be found here.
Another grant from the Rhode Island Division of Taxation is providing
relief for restaurants and bars that are subject to early-closing orders.
Grants of $2,000 to $10,000 aim to help make up for loss of business through federal Coronavirus Relief Funds.
The relief program is a recognition that “businesses are really struggling, particularly our smallest businesses,” and that the hospitality industry in particular “has been hit hardest all over the world,” according to Gov. Gina Raimondo.
Details about the grant can be found here and the deadline to apply is Tuesday, Dec. 15.
The Rhode Island Commerce Corporation is accepting applications from those in the hotel, arts and tourism industries hurt by the pandemic, with $20 million in funds available.
Eligible businesses and nonprofits, including arts and culture organizations, are able to receive funding of up to $1 million on competitive basis with HArT Grants. The deadline to apply is Wednesday, Nov. 25 at noon.
More information and applications can be found here.
Finally, an ongoing grant program through Rhode Island Commerce provides funding of up to $30,000 for any qualifying business or organization that has experienced a major revenue drop due to COVID-19.
Business owners can learn more about Restore RI grants and resources here.
Residents can keep up with ongoing restrictions, changes to town services and resources available to help businesses and families through the town website here.
