In Suffolk, a $25M grant program for small businesses

Businesses, downtowns and nonprofits, including arts and cultural organizations, in Suffolk County can now apply for grants to support their growth.

The county’s JumpSmart Grant Small Business Grant Program is allocating $25 million in funding in this initative.

“This really does represent a comprehensive approach driven by economic development planning to help create the kind of vibrancy and strength in our downtowns that support small businesses there and across the county and help all of us in Suffolk County,” County Executive Steve Bellone said at the H. Lee Dennison Building in Hauppauge on Tuesday.

The initiative is to enhance consumer activity, boost the economy and make the county culturally significantly, post-COVID-19, officials said.

The county is looking for large projects that can transform a community, and applicants are to request a minimum $100,000.

Funding for the program is from the American Rescue Plan Act, which provided COVID-19 relief funding.

An application is available online through Sept. 29.

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