Arkansas hospitality gets $50 million boost

Main Street Texarkana reveals how it will be distributed

LITTLE ROCK — Three state organizations will soon make available $50 million in grants for small Arkansas businesses and industries that have been significantly affected by COVID-19.

The funding will be available “to all Arkansas businesses involved in personal care, tourism, travel, hospitality, recreation, which will include hotels, restaurants and amusement centers,” said Ina McDowell, Main Street Texarkana executive director.

It comes from the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism, the Arkansas Economic Development Commission and the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration.

The grant application period will open Nov. 16, and close Nov. 25. Grants will be awarded on a prorated basis depending on the total number of applicants and the amount of reimbursement requested. The program anticipates making grant awards in late December.

“I’ve been trying to make sure any downtown concerns and restaurants are aware of this,” said McDowell. “Grants are limited to smaller concerns, 250 employees or less.”

In announcing the funding, Gov. Asa Hutchinson said he’s been impressed with the measures businesses have taken to protect customers and employees, and to adapt business models that have kept them viable during this pandemic.

“The grant will help businesses that were disrupted by the precautions necessary to mitigate the spread of COVID-19,” the governor said.

McDowell said Texarkana is bearing up under these challenges.

“Our restaurants in particular are doing well,” she said. “New businesses also are continuing to spring up.”