Mayor Morán officially announced the City’s American Rescue Plan Act Small Business Grant Program Tuesday afternoon. During a press conference held at the newly renovated 8th and Penn Courtyard, Mayor Morán said, “We have a plan to distribute two million dollars in American Rescue Plan funding to support small businesses here in Reading, Pennsylvania.”
Small businesses throughout the city of Reading can now begin to apply for grant program funding to assist with improvements in a variety of areas affected or impacted by the pandemic. Businesses throughout the city of Reading can apply for up to $25,000, and businesses on Penn Street can receive up to $50,000.
Mayor Morán also encouraged applicants that are seeking assistance with the application process to reach out to one of the many small business resource centers available in the area.
The Berks Latino Chamber of Commerce, which attended the press conference this afternoon, expressed its willingness to help small businesses through the application process. The Berks Latino Chamber of Commerce received ARPA Funding during the first round of distribution that was dedicated to the non-profit sector.
“The Latino Chamber received funding during our nonprofit grant program last year and has been a great partner and stakeholder throughout this process,” stated Mayor Morán. Business owners will soon have the opportunity to complete the application process at City Hall through public computer access.
The application process is open now until Friday, September 29, 2023 at 5pm and can be done online at ReadingPA.gov/ARPA.
If any businesses need assistance, they can email ARPA@ReadingPA.gov or contact the Citizens Service Center at 1-877-727-3234.
