The City of Kingston is currently accepting applications for its ARPA Business Hardship Grant Program, which is designed to assist local businesses that have experienced financial difficulties due to infrastructure construction funded by the American Rescue Plan Act. The total funding allocated for this program is $30,000, with individual grants capped at $7,500 for each successful applicant. The program aims to support businesses that can demonstrate a direct correlation between their revenue loss and the construction activities conducted by or at the direction of the City of Kingston in 2024.

The primary purpose of the ARPA Business Hardship Grant Program is to provide financial relief to businesses adversely affected by infrastructure projects. Eligible businesses can utilize the grant funds for various operational expenses, including payroll and benefits, rent or mortgage payments, utility costs, payments for installed equipment, and other necessary business expenses such as inventory and signage. Additionally, funds can be allocated for technical assistance and counseling services to aid in business planning.

To qualify for the grant, applicants must provide evidence of a decline in revenue that coincides with the period of adjacent infrastructure construction. This includes submitting monthly income documentation for both the revenue loss period and a comparable period prior to construction, along with corresponding bank statements. Furthermore, applicants must not have received reimbursement for the same expenses from previous ARPA grants, must not have any principals with financial crime convictions in the past three years, and must not be suspended or debarred from federal funds.

The submission requirements for the grant include the necessary documentation to demonstrate revenue loss and compliance with eligibility criteria. Interested applicants should ensure that they have all required financial records and statements ready for submission. The application process is designed to be straightforward, allowing businesses to present their cases effectively.

Evaluation of applications will be based on the clarity and completeness of the submitted documentation, as well as the demonstrated impact of the construction on the business's revenue. The program aims to prioritize those businesses that have been most significantly affected by the infrastructure projects.

The deadline for submitting applications is October 16, 2024. It is important for potential applicants to be aware of this timeline to ensure their submissions are completed on time. For further information or inquiries, applicants can contact Bill Reynolds at the City of Kingston via email or phone. This grant program represents a valuable opportunity for local businesses to receive financial support during challenging times.