Federal funds available for residents, small businesses in Stonecrest
City of Stonecrest is accepting applications for its residential and small business assistance programs, which are funded through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).
City officials said they designed these programs to assist Stonecrest residents and small business owners who experienced a financial hardship during the pandemic. Applications and eligibility requirements are available on the city’s website, and applicants may pick-up paper copies at Stonecrest City Hall. Applications will close April 21.
Small business requirements include being a business with less than 50 full time equivalent staff, being licensed as a business with city of Stonecrest, actively operating on or since Jan. 1, being a for-profit business or homeowners’ association, and being eligible to receive federal funds.
Requirements for the residential assistance program include being a resident on or after Jan. 1, having an applicant who is at least 18 years in the home, and having experienced a financial hardship due to COVID 19.
More details about the requirements and financial hardship definitions can be found on the city’s website at www.stonecrestga.gov.
“Residents and small business owners are the foundation of every neighborhood,” said Mayor Jazzmin Cobble. “These investment programs will help sustain our community for generations as we work together to rebuild and restore our neighborhoods. I applaud the City Council for their support and implementing these initiatives, which will provide financial relief for many individuals, families, and business owners.”
Stonecrest was allocated $9.7 million in federal funding to address the negative impacts of the pandemic through a few opportunities, including education, housing, food assistance, or loan and grant programs.
After a community engagement process, city councilmembers approved recommendations for the initial allocation of $5.7 million in ARPA funding. The first categories included $2 million in small business support and $1 million in residential assistance.
City officials said all applications will be reviewed as they are submitted.
For more information about Stonecrest’s residential and small business support programs—or to obtain an online application—visit www.stonecrestga.gov and click Stonecrest Forward. Paper applications are available at Stonecrest City Hall, located at 3120 Stonecrest Blvd., Suite 190.
