BELTON, TX — Christmas has come early for several small businesses in Belton. Dozens of local stores received Coronavirus Relief Funding Small Business Grants from the City.
Several small businesses and organizations in Belton have been struggling to make ends meet during the pandemic, which is why city leaders gave out small businesses grants to help out.
“$240,000 to 58 small businesses and over $4,000 to each. To some that means the ability to pay rent potentially through the end of the coronavirus,” said Belton Public Information Officer Paul Romer.
The grants are part of the second phase of CARES Act funding for small businesses. Romer say small businesses are the lifeblood of their local economy.
“Belton has had a resurgence in small businesses,” said Romer. “If you go to our downtown area, it’s built on small business, and people have invested a lot of time fixing up store fronts. This additional help is important.”
Romer says the CARES Act money also allowed them save money in the City’s general fund. Now they’re using some of that money to give the Belton Senior Activity Center $25,000.
“Most of this year, we have been shut down for our indoor activities. This is the way they were going to reach out and help our senior citizens hear in Belton,” said Jay Taggart with the senior center.
Taggert told 25 News the money will help fund their for Meals on Wheels program.
“We know it’s important to them to have those groceries,” said Taggert. “We'll help them financially so they don’t have to spend money on those staple items. It will also reduce their risk of being exposed to the coronavirus.”
The City also gave $25,000 to Helping Hands Ministry.
