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KINGSPORT, Tenn. (WCYB) - The city of Kingsport and the Kingsport Office of Small Business Development and Entrepreneurship (KOSBE) are partnering together to assist small buisnesses.
The city has allocated $110,000 to support Kingsport businesses who have been financially impacted by the pandemic.
The maximum grant award is $5,000 per business, to assist with up to six months of qualifying expenses such as rent, utilities, personal protective equipment, space and technology upgrades necessary to reopen and provide social distancing, and sanitation.
“It's to supplement the funding programs that have already been introduced,” said KOSBE Executive Director Aundrea Salyer. "Its to help fill in the gaps for some businesses."
The electronic application will be available on their website starting April 1, 2021. Once submitted, each application will be reviewed by the City and KOSBE.
Applicants will be required to submit documentation detailing the impact of COVID-19 on their business and how the requested grant funds will assist the business in preventing, preparing for, and responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. Grant awardees must also have at least one low income job or position.
The funds will provide economic relief to small businesses within Kingsport city limits affected by the COVID-19 pandemic including: Tourism related businesses, Accommodations (i.e., hotel, motel, bed and breakfast), Restaurants/food service, professional services (i.e., banking, legal, design, real estate), Cultural and educational services, Arts, Recreation, Retail, Health practitioners, Personal care (i.e., beauty/barbershop, nail salon, dry cleaners).
Source: https://wcyb.com/news/local/small-businesses-in-kingsport-encouraged-to-apply-for-new-assistance-grant-program