As COVID-19 Concerns Rise, Mayor Walsh Announces Grants for Small Businesses to Conquer Challenges in the Winter Ahead

SEDCO expects first awards to be made before Thanksgiving

Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh announced the opening of a winter round of grant funding through the Syracuse Economic Development Corporation (SEDCO) to help small businesses adapt to the challenges presented by COVID-19. With the official start of winter only six weeks away, the SEDCO COVID-19 Small Business Grant Program will provide direct financial assistance to help small businesses make investments as the pandemic and winter cold weather converge.

“Without help quickly, some of our small businesses won’t make it through the winter. They need to make changes to outdoor and indoor spaces to be able to serve customers in new ways or to upgrade their online ordering systems for curbside pickup and e-commerce for holiday shopping,” said Mayor Walsh. “SEDCO helped many small businesses withstand the early days of the pandemic, and I am pleased we are able to deploy its support again as winter approaches.”

Small businesses in the City of Syracuse with 50 or fewer employees are eligible for grants between $2,500 and $10,000. Neighborhood organizations that provide support to local small businesses are eligible for grants up to $25,000.

Grant recipients can use the funds to purchase outdoor equipment such as tents, awnings, enclosures or heaters. Qualifying purchases can include technology systems for online ordering and e-commerce. Expenditures can also be made on HVAC upgrades and sanitizing supplies or equipment; marketing and advertising to promote takeout and online options; and indoor equipment to optimize social distancing and safe operations. Neighborhood organizations can receive awards for similar investments made to support multiple local businesses.

In addition to helping small businesses operate more safely during the pandemic, Walsh said SEDCO wants to build consumer confidence and make it easier for people to access and purchase local products and services.

Details on the program and applications can be found online at www.syrgov.net/SEDCO_Home.aspx and can now be submitted by email at business@syrgov.net or by mail to Syracuse Economic Development Corporation, 201 East Washington Street, Suite, 612, Syracuse, 13202.