SYLACAUGA, Ala. – Early this morning, four local businesses received a $1,000 micro-grant from the Sylacauga Commercial Development Authority (SCDA). The four recipients were Trailwares, Girls Gone Fit, Peddler Paula’s and Patient Care Academy.
“So many businesses have been shut down, and there are certain reboot costs. That’s kind of what we are geared towards,” said SCDA Chairperson Bryan Taunton.
According to Taunton, only four businesses have applied for the grant thus far, but he encouraged other businesses to look into it and apply on SCDA’s website. There was $20,000 raised, and only $4,000 has been granted.
“This means a lot after being closed for six weeks, and it was a breath of fresh air when Bryan [Taunton] sent me the information about the grant,” said Trailwares owner Nancy Willis.
The grants will be given out to local businesses through May 23.
“This will help me make the payment on my building and pay my utilities, so that we can open back up today,” said Peddler Paula’s owner Paula McGrady.
Here is the criteria that applicants must meet:
- Industry Category: You must be a commercial business within Sylacauga city limits.
- Business Description: Provide a description of the nature of your business with the completed application, including business name, name of owner, business physical address, and number of employees.
- 2019 Revenue Report: Provide either a copy of your 2019 Tax Filing or a written statement of annual revenue.
- List of Fixed Expenses: Provide a list of monthly or annual expenses.
- Statement of Lost Revenue: Provide a detailed statement of losses incurred during the 2020 Covid-19 “Stay at Home” Statewide Public Health Order for Alabama.
- Need Requirement: Funds must be directed to specific payroll needs, utilities, rent/lease, business loan payments, business mortgage, and/or any cost associated with re-booting your business to a regular standard of operation. Include a brief statement of what these funds will go toward.
- Application Submission: The SCDA will begin accepting applications on April 23, 2020, will begin processing applications, and will distribute funds to qualifying applicants within 15 days of grant approval. Should funds remain available, the deadline for application is set for 5:00 PM, May 23, 2020.
“One of the primary reasons that we are doing this grant is because we want our small business owners to know how much we love and appreciate them, and we want to see them do well and succeed in our community,” said Taunton.
