‘Re-Open Cohoes’ grants for small businesses

COHOES, N.Y. » Hometown businesses at risk of closing or not being able to reopen due to the economic burdens of the COVID-19 pandemic may be eligible for a new “Re-open Cohoes” grant program created by the Cohoes Local Development Corporation.

Applications for the initial round of the Re- Open Cohoes COVID relief grant funds opened Monday June 29, and are due Monday, July 6, 2020. Cohoes owned and independently operated businesses, physically located within the city, with up to 25 employees, are eligible to apply for up to $5,000 of these grant funds to either re- open or stabilize their business.

“For far too many of our small businesses that have been partially or fully shut down these last several months, bills have piled up and the cost of re- opening can be daunting. As we surveyed their needs, it became clear that a fast and flexible grant program is what they need

now,” Debbie Jacques, Executive Director of the Cohoes Local Development Corporation commented.

“The City of Cohoes and the CLDC have worked hard throughout the COVID shutdown to support our businesses. The ReOpen Cohoes Program is the logical next step in the process. For some of our otherwise viable businesses this grant could mean the difference between weathering the storm and closing their doors” CLDC Board Member and Community and Economic Development Director, Steve Napier remarked.

The CLDC’s “Re- Open Cohoes” grant will be competitive and awarded based on need and long term viability of the business.

The Re- Open Cohoes grant funds are intended for small business- critical operating, capital, and health and safety needs including: required Personal Protection Equipment (PPE); expenses directly related to software, equipment and physical improvements needed to accomplish any health, safety and social distancing initiatives or identified standards related to COVID-19; payroll; utilities; retention of equipment; and sales, general and administrative expenses deemed critical for business operations such as inventory, supplies and materials.

To expedite getting the funds into the community, the application period will run from June 29 until July 6, 2020.

Program guidelines and applications are available on the Cohoes Local Development Corporation website (www.CohoesLDC.org) or by contacting CLDC Executive Director Debbie Jacques directly at: djacques@ci.cohoes.ny.us or (518) 233-2121 ext 218.