The city of Durango has awarded another round of COVID-19 relief grants for businesses, bringing the total funding awards to more than $820,000.
In the program’s second application round, 64 businesses were awarded a total of about $208,000, according to a city news release Tuesday. The grant program is part of Durango’s ongoing effort to support its businesses and nonprofits hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic.
“We are continuing to make every effort to support local businesses and nonprofits during this economically challenging time,” said Devon Schmidt, budget and strategic planning manager, in the release.
In total, the city has awarded 218 grants, ranging from $1,100 to $5,700, to businesses, sole proprietors and nonprofit organizations using federal COVID-19 relief money.
The first round of funding in December awarded about $613,000 to 154 commercial entities. The second round was offered in partnership with La Plata County government.
Some businesses still have one task before receiving their funds: checking to make sure their application paperwork is complete. They have until noon Friday to submit any remaining documents, according to the release.
The pandemic relief grants reached a variety of eligible commercial entities, including restaurants, massage therapists, dental offices, child care businesses and more.
The awards will help businesses with pandemic-related costs, such as building modifications, lost revenue, equipment purchases and reopening costs.
Applicants have also been contacted by the city. If a business has not heard back about grant applications, it should email DBRF@DurangoGov.org.
The COVID-19 relief grants are one of several tools the city is using to help businesses.
Restaurants and food establishments that use third-party delivery services can seek reimbursement for some costs associated with using the services. If eligible, they can apply for reimbursement through Feb. 28.
Some of the delivery services, like UberEats, DoorDash and GrubHub, charge service fees that total as much as 30% of a customer’s order. More information related to the program is available at durangogov.org/DBRF.
Durango City Council on Tuesday unanimously supported a utility bill forgiveness program for both businesses and residents that meet eligibility criteria. The city staff planned to launch the program through an emergency order within the next week.
smullane@durangoherald.com
