In response to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on our local community and small businesses, the City of Des Moines has been able to utilize different funding resources to assist our local economy:

E.A.T.S.
The City is continuing its highly successful E.A.T.S. (Emergency Assistance Takeout for Seniors/Veterans) program, along with meals provided at the Senior Activity Center Monday – Thursday. In partnership with the Central Senior Center, lunch will be expanded to occasional Fridays, featuring an African-inspired cuisine. E.A.T.S. will be funded for the remainder of the year with a total of up to $60,000 utilized to provide meals to Senior’s and Veterans and to support our local restaurants.

EVICTION PROTECTION
The City will be providing funding ($30,000) to non-profits who address evictions, rental assistance and other housing insecurity in the City of Des Moines.

THE NEW “G.R.O.” PROGRAM
The City will be providing financial assistance in the form of grant awards to small businesses through the new G.R.O. (Grant Relief Opportunity) Program. The program will provide relief to businesses that are impacted financially by the Stay Home, Stay Healthy mandate by the State of Washington. Funding is designated for businesses that have been impacted by the pandemic between March 1, 2020 and October 31, 2020. The maximum grant amount is $25,000, and the awarded amount will be determined through administrative review of business applications. These resources; federal, state and regional funds, are limited. Successful applicants will demonstrate that the funds will be utilized to enhance employment and increase economic activity in the City of Des Moines.

The G.R.O. Program will also award up to $10,000 in adaptation/remodel grants for small businesses that are faced with retrofitting their brick and mortar locations to accommodate current and future social distancing requirements. If work is contracted, or products are procured, from local businesses in the City of Des Moines, then costs will be reimbursable up to 100%. All other related costs will be 50% reimbursable.

The City is focused on maximizing the impact of these programs by ensuring that the processes are efficient, informed and effective. More information on these programs will be forthcoming. Applications for the G.R.O. Program will be available starting Monday, August 17, 2020.

For more information on small business support, please visit: http://www.desmoineswa.gov/580/COVID-19-Small-Business-Support