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Mayor Keller Announces 140 Small Businesses in Albuquerque Will Receive $5,000 in Relief Funding

Helping keep local businesses afloat through the pandemic

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Today Mayor Tim Keller and the City of Albuquerque Economic Development Department announced 140 local small businesses will be awarded $5,000 in Coronavirus relief funding to help fill the gaps in federal and state programs and keep them afloat through the coronavirus pandemic. 

More than 1,300 businesses applied to the program, announced just two weeks ago, clearly indicating the dire need created by the coronavirus. The small business relief program intends to provide vital economic support to Albuquerque businesses in overcoming the temporary loss of revenue due to COVID-19.

“We’re doing everything we can to support small businesses as they struggle through this difficult time. Albuquerque small businesses have felt significant impacts, and while this isn’t a panacea, our aim is to relieve some of the financial stress so they can stay afloat,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “Small businesses create a sense of place in our neighborhoods and bring the community together. We’re asking all of Albuquerque to step up to support each other in these times—and that includes the businesses and workers who are the foundation of our economy.”

Grants have been awarded after detailed review, based on the program criteria, the impact of the public health emergency on the business or industry, need, location, industry, eligibility, and availability of funds. Grants may only be used for business operating expenses such as payroll and rent.

“The Economic Development Department worked hard to vet and sort through nearly 1,400 applications that were received. While we are excited to award 140 businesses with funding that is greatly needed, we know that many other Albuquerque businesses still need assistance. The Economic Development Department will continue to actively seek funding and do all that we can to support Albuquerque businesses during and after the current public health emergency,” said Synthia Jaramillo, City of Albuquerque Economic Development Department Director. 

Grantees

Find a complete list of grantees for the Micro-Business Relief Program here.

A short video of a selected group of business owners can be found at  https://youtu.be/nJxKVljpYGM

Business Resource Guide

The Economic Development Department wants to remind businesses of all types and sizes, artists and creatives, and those who are self-employed, that other funding resources can be found online on the Business Resource Guide at http://www.cabq.gov/coronavirus-information/business-organization-resources.  This information is updated frequently, folks are encouraged to check back often.

Support Local Businesses

The City also continues to urge all residents to support local businesses as often as they can. Purchase gift cards, order delivery or takeout a few times per week, tip extra if you can, shop online, and source groceries locally.

If residents do go out to pick up food, we are reminding them to remember to practice social distancing. Stand six (6) feet apart in queues and maintain the distance from others, don’t gather at local businesses, and remember to keep groups to no more than five (5).

Coronavirus Information

All City of Albuquerque information on the Coronavirus can be found at https://www.cabq.gov/coronavirus-information

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