The city, in association with the Maestro Entrepreneurship Center, has launched an initiative to connect local businesses with construction grant funds. It aims to educate business owners about the grant’s eligibility criteria and covered construction costs through a string of informative sessions and workshops. The campaign is part of a broader effort to bolster the city’s local economy by promoting commercial construction projects.
Geremy Landín, the Executive Director of the Maestro Center, along with Director of Programs Ruby Chapa, has assisted local business owners like Ana Gomez of Plaza Taxco and Lucinda Simmons of Don Roman in navigating the complex grant application process. Despite the intricate requirements of the grant application, these entrepreneurs, with the city’s assistance, were able to submit precise applications.
With $1.45 million allocated for the third round of grant funds, local businesses impacted by continuous construction stand a chance to receive individual grants ranging from $5,000 to $35,000. The deadline for these applications has been extended to July 15.
City’s initiative in boosting construction grants
The evaluation of applications is stringent. Priority is given to businesses most affected by ongoing construction and those showing the most considerable revenue loss.
Despite some ineligible businesses, like Unique Cuts and Pyramid Construction, due to minimal income loss or operational status, the city continues to provide alternative support such as signage and online visibility improvements. Entrepreneurs, while acknowledging grant limitations, express gratitude for the city’s various initiatives and remain optimistic about future opportunities.
Executive Director Geremy Landín emphasizes the importance of personal engagement and the facilitation of small businesses through these complex municipal processes. The primary goal, according to Landín, is to assist small business owners in leveraging city construction grants and providing additional resources when possible.
This initiative aligns with a broader vision of empowering small businesses, vital to the local economy. Landín maintains an open-door policy, inviting business owners to seek his assistance not only with grant applications but also in promoting resources beneficial to their enterprises.
