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BUSINESS
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Outreach program for small businesses with new signs
BY PEORIA TIMES STAFF
The city of Peoria Small Business Task Force has launched a second phase of the business outreach to provide support and tools to Peoria businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Our incredible partnerships with ASU, SBDC and the Peoria Chamber of Commerce continue to serve as important emergency conduits for our business community,” said Mayor Cathy Carlat. “Our first phase of the banner program proved helpful, and with information changing and moving quickly, we want to be a steady source of support for our businesses”
New banners, tabletop signs, a safety webpage and social media graphics have been created for Peoria businesses to use to help promote their services and products as well as convey the safety protocols in place.
There are two banner options businesses can choose to display outside of their business based on their service availability. One sign says “We’re Open” and another says “We’re Open Virtually.”
“The banners are green to indicate to passersby that these Peoria businesses are open and ready to serve customers as well as what they are doing to maintain healthy, safe environments,” said Carlat. Business owners can learn more or request free marketing materials at peoriaaz.gov/business/small-business-taskforce.
In March, the city of Peoria partnered with the Peoria Chamber of Commerce, the Small Business Development Council (SBDC) and Arizona State University Entrepreneurship Plus Innovation to form the task force and help local businesses navigate the challenges of the pandemic.
One of the first actions taken by the task force was delivering free, red banners to all restaurants to display their service availability during the lockdown. The Small Business Task Force is continuing that effort by providing more free printed and digital marketing materials to build awareness of what the business community is doing to protect their customers. Now businesses can use the red and green banners at any time to communicate whether they are open or closed, what services are available and how they are meeting the recommended health BY PEORIA TIMES STAFF
Financial help may be on the way for small companies hit hard in recent months
The Maricopa County Small Business Relief Program is designed to support small businesses experiencing financial hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The program provides up to $10,000 to qualifying small businesses for expense reimbursement.
A reimbursement basis means the grant will cover losses already incurred.
For-profit, nonprofits and sole proprietorships are eligible for the program.
The application period started July 9 and ends July 31, with grants “provided on a rolling first come, first served
WE'RE OPEN We follow recommended guidelines.
Social Distancing Limited Capacity Temperature Checks
Touchless Payment Facial Masks Sanitation
Provided by Peoria’s Small Business Task Force
Peoria is providing free signs for small businesses. (Photos courtesy city of Peoria)
standards.
“I hope Peoria residents continue to support and shop local, so together we
can return stronger,” said Carlat. basis until funding is exhausted or grant period closes,” according to the county.
For more information or to apply, visit azfoundation.org/Grants-Loans/ Maricopa-County-Relief-Grants.
Applicants may not have received other COVID-related financial assistance including Payroll Protection Program, Economic Injury Disaster Loan, SBA Express Bridge Loans and SBA Debt Relief.
For this program, the county defines “small businesses” as having 25 or fewer full-time employees, with 2019 sales or revenues less than $3 million.
Applicants must certify that gross sales or revenues declined by at least 25% as a result of COVID-19 in March and April 2020 compared to March and April 2019.
