The City of Canby handed out nearly $300,000 in Covid-19 relief funding in November and December 2020 — half of which went to nonprofits serving those most impacted by the pandemic, and half to struggling, locally owned small businesses.
On Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2020, the Canby City Council approved $300,000 in federal CARES Act funding to be used to support the Canby community.
The funding included up to $150,000 to be used for a Small Business Resiliency Grant Program and an additional $150,000 to be funneled through The Canby Center to residents in need for rent and utility assistance, as well as to assist with the Meals on Wheels program.
The Small Business Resiliency Grant Program went live the following day, Nov. 5, and the application deadline was Nov. 30th. Economic Development Director Jamie Stickel said she and her team reached out to more than 80 businesses through email, phone calls, in-person visits, and through social media.
Eligible businesses were required to be located within the Canby city limits, possess a current business license, have 25 or fewer full-time equivalent employees, and be a for-profit business that could demonstrate a 10% ore more decrease in sales for at least one month.
The City of Canby ultimately awarded over $123,000 to 20 local businesses: 10 restaurants or other food-related services, eight retail stores, one gym and one medical establishehment.
Due to the number of applications received and the amount allocated to the Small Business Resiliency Grant Program, all award amounts were doubled, Stickel said.
Businesses supported by the city through its new grant program included The Book Nook, Backstop Bar & Grill, Canby Rental and Equipment, Canby Trophy, Carson Acupuncture, Club Fit, El Kiosko Deli, Gwynn’s Coffeehouse, La Mixteca, Lone Elder Pizza, Nature’s Pet Market, Nuevo Vallarta, Pizza Schmizza, Puddin’ River Chocolates, Red Door Antiques, Retro Revival, Wally’s Chinese Kitchen, Wayward Sandwiches and The Wild Hare Saloon.
Stickel and Finance Director Julie Blums personally hand-delivered a majority of the awards back in December.
“What is clear to me from this experience is the need to help our local businesses is great and this grant was a tremendous first step in the right direction,” Stickel told The Canby Current. “It was a good reminder that every little bit counts.”
The $140,000 the city allocated to The Canby Center to fund rent and utility assistance for Canby citizens also went to good use. Stickel said The Canby Center was able to help 85 families in need of assistance due to financial impacts from the pandemic.
Additionally, the Canby Adult Center received $10,000 to assist with the Meals on Wheels program, which had seen an increase in users since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic last March.
