Rockland Receives $7m in Funds for Small Businesses and Green Spaces

Two new grant programs were launched by Rockland County officials to support local businesses and green spaces. 

Small businesses continue to struggle as an effect of the pandemic, a report has found.

To help local small businesses, the Rockland Small Business Rescue Grant Program has been allocated $2 million to reimburse small businesses between $5,000 and $50,000 for eligible expenses incurred during and related to the covid pandemic. 

Privately-owned, micro-businesses, small businesses, enterprises, or sole proprietorships, that offer fee-based goods or services and have fewer than 500 employees and annual revenues up to $1 million, are eligible to receive funds for certain expenses including, hardware fees, software fees, rent, supplies, and marketing fees.

Some restrictions apply to the eligibility of those funds. 

The pandemic has also highlighted the importance of maintaining and enhancing green spaces. Families who spent more time outdoors reported better health outcomes during the pandemic than those who rarely went outside. 

The Rockland Resilient Recreation Grant Program will utilize up to $5 million in ARPA funds to award municipalities and non-profits with funds for investment in public urban green spaces.

"These two programs will help ensure Rockland's recovery stays on track," said County Executive Ed Day.

"It is our job as elected officials to help in any way we can and believe these new grants will do just that by strengthening the fiscal and physical health of County residents," County Legislature Minority Leader Lon Hofstein said.

Photo: Flickr