Round Rock Cares raises $356,000, considers second round of small-business funding applications

Round Rock Cares has raised $356,000 and assisted 160 small businesses in Round Rock, according to an April 14 city news release. The fund, first launched March 25, is a collaborative effort among the city of Round Rock, the Round Rock Chamber, Dell Technologies and the Greater Round Rock Community Foundation to assist local businesses impacted by the coronavirus pandemic.

The fund initially launched with $100,000 and completed its first round of funding April 3 with $165,000 in donations and more than 80 fund recipients. Following an influx of recent donations, a second round of funding is being considered, per the news release.

“The collaboration between the City of Round Rock, the Round Rock Chamber, Dell Technologies and the Greater Round Rock Community Foundation has made amazing things happen for so many,” Community Foundation Chair Nyle Maxwell said in the release. “I also want to give a special thanks to Emerson and RBank who have led the way in our corporate community with $10,000 matches each. And I want to single out Mayor Craig Morgan for exemplifying the kind of leadership you hope you see in your leaders during a time of crisis.”

Per the Community Foundation, more than 50 small businesses are on a waitlist for funding consideration. Since the fund's March 25 launch, more than $1 million in funding needs have been identified, as confirmed by Jason Ball, Round Rock Chamber president and CEO, on April 3.

Small businesses eligible for funding must employ 50 or fewer full-time personnel and are able to demonstrate a clear financial impact on its operations as a result of the coronavirus outbreak. Businesses interested in consideration for second round funding are encouraged to email [email protected] with the subject line "RRC Funding Round 2" and include the business's name and address, the applicant's name and appropriate contact information, per the release.

Residents and businesses interested in contributing to the fund can do so at www.roundrockcares.org.

“While the community outpouring of support has been amazing, there is still a need for more donations,” Community Foundation Executive Director Amy Merida said. “More businesses need assistance, so we’re asking for those who haven’t given to consider making a donation today.”