The Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism, the Arkansas Economic Development Commission and the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration received approval to proceed with a grant program utilizing $50 million in Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act funds.
Funds will be used for Arkansas businesses in industries significantly impacted by the covid-19 public health emergency, according to press releases from the Arkansas State Chamber and Pine Bluff Regional Chamber of Commerce.
The Arkansas Legislative Council approved a business interruption grant for certain Arkansas businesses in the personal care, tourism, travel, recreation and hospitality industries. The grant will provide reimbursement for a portion of specific eligible expenses incurred by businesses in these industries between March 1 and Sept. 30, according to the releases.
Arkansas small businesses having 250 or fewer full-time employees located in Arkansas may seek reimbursement for expenses associated with covid-19 mitigation or certain listed business interruption expenses due directly to local, state or federal government covid-19 directives. Grants are up to $250,000 each.
Applicants may plan an application with a Facebook Live question and answer session the week of Nov. 2 and an applicant help phone line opening on Nov. 9, one week before the application period opens. All applications will be completed online.
A link to the application is available at: www.ArkansasReady.com.