Tempe has awarded $1.2 million in grants to businesses hurt by the pandemic. The grants are meant to help businesses meet expenses so they can keep or hire staff.
The city said nearly 230 businesses applied and more than 180 received grants with the average award being $6,880. Grants were based on $1,300 per full-time employee. Eligible businesses had no more than 100 employees and less than $5 million in gross annual receipts.
Nearly half (47%) of recipients are in the hospitality industry with health care and social assistance making up the next largest group at 13%.
Tempe also offers a limited amount of safety supplies at no cost for businesseswith fewer than 100 employees. The city also enacted a free extension of premises program to allow more signage and banners with a permit.
