SAN ANTONIO — The city on Wednesday announced a program created to provide economic relief for San Antonio business owners who have been impacted by ongoing construction, based on how badly they need assistance.
The application process will officially open in mid-February, according to the city.
This comes amid mounting criticism from bar owners along North St Marys Street, where they claim the construction has been hurting sales. The roughly $2.5 million dollars may be the relief business owners need after months of construction in downtown.
The Covid-Construction Recovery Grants program is designed to offer aid to storefront businesses that are still recovering from the pandemic, as well as those affected by road construction in 14 areas of town.
In an official release, city officials say the money comes from federal American Rescue Plan Act assistance, and would give eligible business owners up to $35,000 to offset losses.
In order to qualify, small businesses must prove their COVID-19 related net revenue losses, and must be located in an area of town directly impacted by city-initiated construction zones that began between Jan. 1, 2020 and June 30, 2022.
Applicants will also need to meet the following criteria outlined by the City of San Antonio:
- Have experienced at least $10,000 in reduced revenue in 2022 compared to 2022.
- Is a retail or service business that depends on in-person traffic for typical operations.
- Is a small business as defined by U.S. Small Business Administration’s six-digit North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) codes.
- Was established prior to January 1, 2021, with demonstrated revenue in 2020.
- Located within an eligible construction zone and remain in business one year from the date of the grant award.
The eligible construction areas are:
- Broadway Street Corridor (IH-35 to E Houston Street)
- Bulverde Road Phase 1 (Butterleigh Drive to North of Quiet Meadow Street)
- Commerce Street (St. Mary’s Street to Santa Rosa Street)
- Commerce Street (Frio Street to Santa Rosa Street)
- Enrique M. Barrera Parkway Phase 1 (Old Highway 90 Area)
- Fredericksburg Road (North Flores Street to West Woodlawn Avenue)
- Harry Wurzbach Road/Austin Highway Connectors
- North Main Avenue & Soledad Street (Pecan Street to Navarro Street)
- North New Braunfels Avenue Phase 1 (East Houston Street to Burleson Street)
- North St. Mary’s Street (East Mistletoe Avenue to West Josephine Street)
- San Saba Street (Nueva Street to Martin Street)
- Santa Rosa Street (César E. Chávez Boulevard to Martin Street)
- The Alamo (Area Streets)
- West Commerce Street (Frio Street to Colorado Street)
- Maverick Plaza
The city reiterated that funds will be dispersed based on a scoring system, not a first come, first served basis.
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