Dear editor,
On May 1, the City of Novato launched the Novato Small Business Grant Program designed to help retain local jobs, keep storefronts tenanted and support the local economy in light of the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent shelter in place orders. The program offered eligible small businesses the opportunity to apply for grants in amounts up to $5,000.
A total of $375,000 in donations from local businesses and residents wanting to support our small business community has been distributed to grant recipients, including $50,000 contributions from the City of Novato and County of Marin respectively. Take-Two, parent company for international videogame publisher 2K located in Novato, was the founding sponsor of the fund with a $200,000 donation.
The City received a total of 107 applications and the Small Business Relief Fund Selection Committee approved 75 businesses to receive grant funds. All applications received were carefully reviewed for completeness, eligibility and demonstrated economic need. The application period has closed, and at this time, there will not be a second round of applications.
We would like to thank the City Council, the Small Business Relief Fund Selection Committee, our partner organizations, our wonderful staff and everyone else who stepped up to make this program possible.
Jessica Deakyne
Novato
Assistant City Manager
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