Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey recently announced the recipients of a $1 million grant program to provide chambers of commerce statewide with necessary funds to launch or expand programs to support Arizona small businesses and assist economic recovery, according to a release from the Governor’s Office.
“Arizona businesses have innovated and adjusted for months to operate safely while prioritizing public health,” said Governor Ducey. “Today’s grant funding will bring additional support to small businesses impacted by the pandemic, keep our economy moving forward, and help protect public health and safety. I’m grateful to all chambers of commerce and businesses across the state that support our workforce and protect Arizonans.”
Gov. Ducey launched the Chamber of Commerce COVID-19 Response Grant Program last November. The program is funded through the state’s Crisis Contingency and Safety Net Fund, which was established in March through a bipartisan state budget agreement that allocated an additional $50 million for Arizona’s COVID-19 response.
The grant allows for no more than $20,000 per full-time equivalent chamber employee, with a maximum limit of $50,000.
The grant program is supported by the Arizona Commerce Authority.
“Small businesses and their employees have felt the impact of the pandemic, and we’re working to make sure they have the support they need,” Mesa Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Sally Harrison said. “The funding from the Chamber of Commerce COVID-19 Response Grant Program will help our economy, businesses and workers. Thank you to Governor Ducey for continuing to work with the business community and provide support.”
Thirty chambers of commerce statewide will receive grant funding. The money will fund a variety of projects including helping small businesses move operations to online sales; providing micro-grants to small businesses to buy cleaning supplies and protective equipment; creating a regional workforce three-year workforce strategic plan to assist businesses return to work safely and effectively; and other projects.
“Our businesses have worked hard for many months to implement health and safety measures while serving patrons,” Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Julie Pastrick said. “We’re proud to build on their efforts and support economic recovery in our communities. Thank you to Governor Ducey and his office for the continued support.”