The City of Mount Vernon has awarded more than $400,000 in funds to 18 small businesses in the downtown area to help them address what are described as “challenges brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic.”
According to the city, the Mount Vernon First: Small Business Grant Program “was established to provide financial assistance to small businesses, helping them stabilize and expand their operations. This program ensures that local businesses, many of which have faced significant hardships in recent years, can continue to thrive and contribute to the city’s economy. These businesses are vital to the community, and this funding is critical to their rebuilding efforts.”
“The resilience of our small business community is truly inspiring,” Mayor Shawyn Patterson-Howard said. “By awarding these grants, we are not only helping businesses recover but also creating opportunities for growth and sustainability in our vibrant Downtown Business District. This program demonstrates our commitment to ensuring Mount Vernon remains a place where businesses can succeed, and residents can thrive.”
In order to be eligible, the businesses had to demonstrate that they were registered with Mount Vernon and not delinquent on real property, personal or school district taxes. The businesses had to be in in commercial ground floor space in the Downtown Business District with at least three years remaining on their commercial lease and met all requirements of the grants program. The grants, capped at $25,000, are to be used for: façade restoration and cornice repair; masonry work and brink pointing; new signage and awnings; installation of open-grill security gates; storefront framing and glass replacement; exterior lighting installation; exterior paint; door repair or replacement; other approved exterior improvements; other approved uses.
Mount Vernon did not immediately identify the businesses that had been awarded the grants.
