The second round of Rahway COVID-19 relief grants distributed more than $255,000 to 115 businesses, ranging from $750 to $2,750.
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In all, $255,317.29 was distributed to 115 businesses — an average of $2,220. Total awards were $296,145.83 to 125 businesses; about 10 businesses were awarded grants but did not receive them. Most that were awarded grants but did not receive them did not provide supporting documents; one business closed and one business opted out.
Here’s a breakdown of grants across all eligible categories:
- Base award ($1,500 max): $167,075 — 114 businesses
- Reimbursable, outdoor heaters ($750 max): $350 — 2
- Reimbursable, outdoor enclosures ($2k max): $2,850 — 3
- Grant, Personal Protective Equipment ($1k max): $24,612 — 3
- Reimbursable, construction for COVID-19 ($2,500 max): $5,621 — 11
- Reimbursable, tech grant ($2,500 max): $13,406 — 17
- Grant, food delivery service ($1k max): $4,925 — 14
- Reimbursable, past business expense ($2,500 max): $36,477 — 41
Businesses were eligible across a variety of the above categories, with a maximum distribution being $2,750, which 46 businesses received. The lowest amount distributed was $750. Some grants applications were adjusted after they were submitted.
The second round of Rahway CARES (Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security) grants, announced in January, was funded through taxes collected for the Special Improvement District (SID). Like the first round of funding in the spring, Rahway CARES was run in conjunction with the Rahway Arts & Business Partnership (RABP) and the United County Economic Development Corporation (UCEDC).
To be eligible for the second round, businesses must have been: located in the Special Improvement District (SID), have 20 or fewer full-time employees, and have been in business for at least one full year.
The first round of the Rahway CARES Forgivable Loan Program last year awarded more than $250,000 to 65 businesses. Different levels of funding were available, ranging from $3,000 to $5,000, based on the city’s formula.
The first round of the program received 124 valid applications submitted but 59 were not granted for various reasons, such as being property owners, home-based businesses, or business that had not yet been open for a year.
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