Mansfield Announces Second Round of Funding for Local Businesses
Non-Profit Organizations Now Also Eligible
The Town of Mansfield invites small businesses and non-profit organizations in Mansfield to apply for grants from its Local Business & Non-Profit Relief Fund Program.
The Town launched its business support program earlier this year to provide financial assistance to eligible Mansfield businesses that have been adversely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The program is funded through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and administered by the Town of Mansfield in collaboration with the Mansfield Downtown Partnership.
For the second round, the Town Council approved including non-profit organizations as eligible applicants.
Applications and details are available on the Mansfield Downtown Partnership's website here. Complete application materials must be received by 4:00 PM on Friday, October 28, 2022.
The target audience for the program is small businesses and non-profit organizations in Mansfield. Applicants may request up to $10,000. The program will benefit businesses and non-profit organizations that have less than 25 full-time equivalent (FTE) employees) and who generate less than $2 million in gross annual revenue. Businesses and non-profits located in Mansfield or paying taxes in the Town of Mansfield and have been in operation for a minimum of 24 months are eligible to apply.
Applicants must be able to demonstrate that they have been negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and that grant funds will enable the business to continue to operate and become stronger. Applicants must also present a reasonable likelihood for long-term viability.
“We were encouraged by the number of small businesses that applied for this Local Business Relief Fund Program in the first round earlier this summer. We are eager to open up this second opportunity for businesses and to expand it to the non-profit organizations who work within our Town. Many non-profits were also severely impacted by the pandemic, and they are integral to our community services. We hope we will see many applications for relief so we can put these dollars to work where they are needed most.”
ARPA Programs in Mansfield
The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) includes funding to municipalities to help respond to and recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. The U.S. Treasury Department has issued rules to implement the recovery funds established under ARPA. Through ARPA, state and local governments have access to funds that are aimed at helping communities recover from the economic impact of the pandemic.
The Mansfield Town Council is investing Mansfield’s roughly $7.5 million allocation of ARPA funds to deliver the greatest benefit to the community within the guidelines provided by the Treasury Department. The Council has authorized the Town Manager and associated municipal departments to move forward on many proposed projects and initiatives. Funding spans a wide range of approved uses, including:
Direct financial assistance to economically distressed individuals (Resident Assistance & RElief Program or RARE)
Financial assistance to local businesses and non-profits impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic
Financial assistance to area social service agencies to expand and enhance service delivery to local residents
Funding support for Eagleville Green housing project and associated transportation safety improvements on a segment of S. Eagleville Road
High-priority Town road and drainage improvement projects
Facility improvements to multiple municipal buildings, including the Mansfield Public Library, which includes upgrades to the building’s HVAC system, installation of quiet study pods, and construction of a new exterior wireless access pavilion
Investments in information technology infrastructure to promote digital inclusion and equity by enhancing public access to free high-speed internet and associated devices throughout Town
Replacement of an aging ambulance and acquisition of other critical Fire/EMS life-saving equipment
Development of a Neighborhood Stabilization Plan
Development of a Parks & Recreation master plan
Replacing lost municipal revenue
ABOUT THE TOWN OF MANSFIELD, CONNECTICUT
Mansfield is a vibrant, diverse, and caring community that offers its residents and visitors unique cultural, recreational, and educational opportunities. Known for its excellent public schools, community-wide events, inclusive and efficient government, parks and preserves, protected open spaces, and agriculture, the Town is home to the main campus of the University of Connecticut. Principles of sustainability guide zoning and development, preserving the Town's historic character and providing for economic vitality.
Come and enjoy the beauty and historic traditions that Mansfield has offered for more than 300 years and see why it's your place to grow.