Grant Program Announced for Small Businesses

Statement from Legislator Rachel Barnhart about today’s announcement from County Executive Adam Bello:

Rochester was recently named one of the best “foodie” towns in the country because we have so many independent restaurants. We are in danger of losing many of these local treasures because of the pandemic. Restaurants must abide by capacity restrictions and many people are wary of dining out, especially during the winter months when it’s too cold to sit outdoors.

That’s why I invited County Executive Adam Bello to Village Gate a couple weeks ago. He listened to concerns from restaurant owners about making it through the winter months. His team went to work quickly! 

Today he announced a $15 million grant program using CARES funding for small businesses, including restaurants. This will be a lifeline for so many of our local entrepreneurs.

Restaurants are investing in new equipment and they’re following guidelines to keep us safe and to keep workers employed. Now we can do something for them.

Here is a link to learn more about the program and apply. Please share with small business owners you know in Monroe County. The deadline to apply is November 2 at 5 p.m.

Please let me know if you have any questions. Working together, we can get through this challenging time.