October 30, 2020
Announcement Cranston Businesses
Take it Outside Grant Initiative
The City of Cranston was awarded $100,000 from the Rhode Island Commerce Corporation's "Take It Outside" initiative. The purpose of this funding is to provide financial assistance to Cranston business owners who would like to expand their space and/or purchase products that will allow them to take their businesses outside and reduce the transmission of COVID-19.
Mayor Fung added, “The City of Cranston thanks the R.I. Commerce Corporation for providing this funding that will allow our business owners to adjust their business model to deal with the pandemic. In these difficult times, this funding will help our businesses innovate and serve their patrons in an outdoor environment. It will allow them to purchase tents, lamps, outdoor furniture, and other equipment to transform their business outside. We look forward to reviewing and supporting the innovative ideas our business leaders have.”
The Division of Economic Development has created a grant application to streamline the application and selection process. A Grant Review Committee will be responsible for reviewing all the grants, scoring them, and making the final award determinations.
To be eligible to apply, your request must meet the Eligible Expenses criteria. Eligible Expenses may include the costs affiliated with purchasing, obtaining, delivering, installing, or otherwise enabling the use of the following: chairs, tables, heat lamps, tents, outdoor Wi-Fi systems, masks, hand sanitizer, staffing, security, insurance costs related to specific outdoor activities, lighting, power sources, relevant signage, bike racks, and other costs affiliated with purchasing or obtaining good or services that, in the City of Cranston's sole discretion, were necessary to increase the applicant's outdoor opportunities.
Applicants may apply for funding up to $5,000 depending on their business needs. To apply for this grant, please visit the City of Cranston’s Economic Development page.
All approved items must be purchased/paid by December 18, 2020. The Division of Economic Development will conduct on-site visits during or upon completion of the project.
The applicant agrees to submit copies of all paid invoices/receipts and copies of all required permits and approvals to demonstrate compliance with the “Take It Outside” grant initiative.
All completed grant applications must be submitted via the City of Cranston’s website by Friday, November 13, 2020, by 4 pm. No late entrees will be accepted.
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