LAWRENCE — The city this week awarded $387,000 to local business owners as part of an ongoing plan to foster economic growth and support the small business community.
Mayor Brian DePena said the financial support “is designed to strengthen Lawrence’s economic landscape by providing crucial resources to entrepreneurs and small business owners who are essential to the vitality of the city.”
A total of $387,000 from the $500,000 allocated through the Federal ARPA-Free Cash funds was distributed to 53 local businesses.
The funding applications went through a thorough review process by the Economic Development Department and received approval from his administration and Lawrence city councilors, DePena said.
“Small businesses are the cornerstone of our community. With these grants, we aim to equip them with the necessary resources to continue thriving and contributing to the Economic Revitalization of our city. Our administration is committed to fostering an environment where entrepreneurs can succeed and generate new opportunities for all the residents of our Lawrence,” DePena said.
The Prospering Lawrence Small Business Grant is designed to revitalize commercial districts and boost the city’s economic infrastructure.
Through a rigorous selection process, funds were awarded to business owners who presented detailed plans on how they would use the support to grow and strengthen their businesses, officials said.
Those receiving grants included restaurants, retail businesses and professional service providers.
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