January 19, 2022
By Adam Bass/The Daily Item

Mayor Jared Nicholson and City Council President Jay Walsh announced Wednesday afternoon that the city will be allocating $3 million of its expected $75 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding toward small businesses.

The $3 million in funds will be directed to the Economic Development & Industrial Corporation of Lynn (EDIC/Lynn), which will allocate the funds towards businesses with under 25 employees. Up to $10,000 in grants will be distributed to a business depending on the need. Priority will be given to minority and women-owned businesses.

Nicholson said this allocation of ARPA funds is the first of a lengthy process to plan and distribute money in city development and growth. He said his priority with the $3 million is to help small businesses currently struggling with the spread of COVID-19.

“We are planning a robust, inclusive input process for the ARPA funding that will happen over the next several months,” said Nicholson. “In the meantime, small businesses are suffering from the impact of the omicron variant. Helping them make it through to spring so they can continue to play an integral role in our community is exactly the kind of thing that ARPA funds are meant for.”

Nicholson thanked Walsh for helping to establish this plan, along with EDIC/Lynn Executive Director James Cowdell and Councilor-at-Large Brian Field, who serves as the City Council liaison on ARPA funding requests.

Field said the City Council will vote on the allocation of the funds on Tuesday, Jan. 25.  

“We know the impact the COVID-19 pandemic has had on small businesses in our city. These businesses are a vital part of our community and they need our help now,” said Field. “The City Council will vote Tuesday on Mayor Nicholson’s request to use some of the ARPA funding to support small businesses and help boost economic recovery efforts.”

The ARPA was passed by the federal government in 2021, giving federal aid to state, county, tribal and local entities to respond to the public health and economic impacts created by the COVID-19 pandemic.

North Shore Latino Business Association President and CEO Frances Martinez said the pandemic still has negative impacts on the city’s small businesses, but said the relief from the ARPA allocations will be a boon for them.

“City of Lynn small businesses are striving day-to-day to meet their financial responsibility, and these funds will relieve some of the burdens,” Martinez said. “The North Shore Latino Business Association will continue to work with the city, making sure everyone is informed and getting the needed assistance.”

Cowdell said he is pleased with the allocation plan and thanked Nicholson and the City Council for taking the initiative to create the said plan.  

“Small businesses are feeling the effects of COVID every day,” said Cowdell. “We are extremely grateful to Mayor Nicholson and the City Council for allocating these necessary funds. The business community will be extremely appreciative as they continue to survive the impacts of COVID.”