LA Junta Tribune
One hundred thirty-five business owners in Otero County are expected to receive award letters and COVID-19 support checks Friday thanks to the way that the county worked with municipalities to pool extra CARES Act funding resources.
But as County Administrator Amy White-Tanabe said during the Monday Board of County Commissioners meeting, some businesses that applied for the funding will be receiving rejection letters.
In addition, more money could be coming via legislation called COVID-19 Relief Small And Minority Businesses Arts Organizations, or SB20B-001, that was signed on Dec. 7. It allocates funding for small businesses and arts, culture and entertainment organizations in counties that are under Level Red (severe) public health restrictions. Counties under severe restrictions must remain compliant with restrictions so businesses remain eligible for the financial support.
In a statement, McDonough, acknowledged this one bill isn t addressing all the problems: The $4M allocation offers immediate aid but cannot serve the total need. That is why federal support is so vital. Colorado s constitution does not permit deficit spending so these funds, while limited, represent the limited resources available to deploy. Given the extent of economic distress across the state, minority businesses, small businesses and local governments alike continue to implore Congress to act and allocate federal relief funds prior to their holiday recess.
The grants specifically from the money allocated for minority-owned businesses could be anywhere from $5,000 to $8,000. Some businesses could get more if they are eligible to get grants from the other pools of money.