The project, called the COVID-19 Relief Program, will be headed by the Rollingwood Community Development Corp. It will allocate $100,000 to businesses, with individual amounts not to exceed $10,000, to help retain existing jobs and promote new and expanding business development.
The resolution authorizing the program passed unanimously.
Council Member Amy Pattillo sought clarification on the parameters of the program. Council established that the RCDC would be able to approve applications as they come in, with Council Member Gavin Massingill providing an extra layer of oversight to make sure businesses qualify.
“I’m hopeful we see some businesses ... looking to make sure their employees have personal protective equipment or other ways to make their business safer,” Pattillo said of the fund allocations.
Information from the city of Rollingwood states applications and supporting information is due to the RCDC at or before noon Thursday, May 14.
Businesses not qualifying for the RCDC relief program are considered essential businesses and include:
- Grocery stores, big box stores, farmer’s and food markets;
- Liquor, wine and beer stores;
- Construction and real estate development and sales;
- New or used automotive sales;
- Banks, lending and financial institutions;
- Gas stations and convenience stores;
- Nonprofit entities, organizations and associations;
- Medical and health providers and related service companies and vendors;
- Auto mechanics and auto repair shops; and
- Plumbers, heating/ventilation/air conditioning technicians and electricians.
More information is available on the city’s website.