Stonington -- The borough and the Ocean Community Chamber of Commerce are accepting grant applications from small businesses and nonprofits for $19,000 in COVID response grants from the federal American Rescue Plan Act.

The deadline to apply is May 2. If the program is not oversubscribed during this first round, a second round will be announced.

"We have a very special business community in the borough, and we recognize the significant challenges that they have experienced throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. This grant program allows borough government to help those hardest hit by being a vested partner in their ongoing recovery," said borough warden Jeff Callahan. "Thanks are also due to the Ocean Community Chamber of Commerce for making this opportunity possible."

There are two type of grants available.

Business improvement grants, capped at $2,000, include investment in equipment that is essential to keep the business in operation, website development to include an e-commerce component to make the business more sustainable, interior and facade improvements, signage, equipment and supplies to help extend the outdoor season, patios, renovations to improve  accessibility or meet flood requirements and stormwater system improvements.

The second type is COVID-related reimbursements for expenses linked to closures or personal protective equipment. These are capped at $2,000 and are for expenses between March 3, 2021, to March 1, 2022.

Applications will be considered for privately held businesses and nonprofit organizations located, registered, and licensed (if applicable) to operate in the Town of Stonington. Private membership clubs are not eligible. Businesses established after Oct. 1, 2021 are not eligible. Those organizations that have previously been awarded, or will be granted, ARPA funds from either the Town of Stonington, the Borough of Stonington, or the Southeastern CT Cultural Coalition are not eligible to receive this grant.

Grant details may be found https://www.oceanchamber.org/business-links. For more information, contact chamber President Lisa Konicki at (401) 596-7761.

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