The Newburgh City Council last week announced that 20 local small businesses will receive direct cash grants of up to $10,000 through its Small Business Grant Assistance Program. The twenty award-winning businesses represent the City’s diverse mix of arts, personal service, hospitality, cultural and lifestyle brands that positively contribute to each of the City’s four wards.

“The City Council strongly supports our local businesses – they are the foundation of our City’s unique and diverse neighborhoods,” said City Manager Todd Venning in a prepared statement.
“Giant corporations took most of the COVID-19 federal assistance while local small businesses were passed over. The City Council’s Small Business Grant Assistance Program will create a small measure of economic justice by redirecting ARPA funding to those most affected by COVID-19 losses – our City’s local small businesses.”

In May of this year, the Newburgh City Council announced the launch of its Small Business Grant Assistance Program backed with a $200,000 allocation of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding. Dozens of City businesses applied to receive up to $10,000 direct cash grants to offset Covid-19 related losses. Following a rigorous review and scoring process, twenty qualifying local small businesses were selected for grant awards. Added consideration was given to women, minority, and veteran owned businesses and micro-businesses that employ 10 or fewer people.

Sadly, one of the recipients, Mama Roux Restaurant on Broadway, announced they would close on October 8.

“Mama’s going on to a new chapter,” read the post. “Thank you to all of our guests for supporting us for the last 4 years. Our last day of service will be October 8. Please come and give us love and hugs. Stay tuned for closing parties to celebrate all of my amazing staff and the time we have spent together.”