Financial Aid Available till July 15 for San Antonio Businesses Affected by Road Construction
Relief for Small Business Owners
Small businesses in San Antonio affected by disruptive road construction activities now have a lifeline to help alleviate their financial pressure. The city of San Antonio has announced a financial aid program that will remain available till July 15. The assistance comes in the form of grants and is earmarked for enterprises that suffered losses due to road blockages and rerouting for nearly three years between June 2020 to February 2023.
Eligible businesses can apply for up to $35,000 in grant funding to help offset losses linked to road construction work. The city council revealed this initiative in May, and it is being administered by a non-profit community lender, LiftFund.
Application and Distribution
Entrepreneurs operating within eight specific construction zones, where work occurred during the specified time frame, are eligible to apply. Applications will be evaluated based on the level of need demonstrated and will not be handed out on a first-come, first-served basis, according to city representatives.
Targeted Construction Zones
- Broadway Street, from East Houston Street to East Hildebrand Avenue
- Bulverde Road from Butterleigh Drive to north of Quiet Meadow Street
- Zona Cultural District routes of Santa Rosa Street from Cesar E. Chavez Boulevard to Martin Street, San Saba Street between Nueva and Martin streets, and Commerce Street between Frio and Santa Rosa streets
- Gevers Street between Cosgrove and Minnetonka streets
- South Presa Street between Southeast Military Drive and Southcross Boulevard
- South Alamo Street from Market Street to Cesar E. Chavez
- Streets immediately surrounding the Alamo
- Bynum Avenue from West Mayfield Boulevard to West Gerald Avenue
Use of Funds
According to city officials, authorized monetary aid gleaned from this program can be applied to certain operational expenses. This includes working capital, machinery and equipment, payroll/health care benefits, and utility payments linked to business property. However, the funds cannot be used for distributions to owners or investors, nor can they be used to acquire new assets.
Supporting Sustainable Growth
City Manager Erik Walsh affirmed the city’s commitment to supporting small businesses impacted by major municipal infrastructure projects, considering them a valid entity to maintain the overall health of the city’s economy. Walsh further emphasized the importance of infrastructural development to handle the city’s growth: “We prioritize resources and opportunities like this to help alleviate the impacts of construction to our small businesses,” Walsh added.
Reporters also called on the small business community to show their resilience amid these challenging times and urged eligible business owners to take advantage of the financial aid available before the closing date of July 15.
Helping Hands for Community Growth
By providing financial support to small businesses adversely affected by public works, San Antonio city exhibits solidarity with its local entrepreneurs. The move is expected to increase socio-economic sustainability and fuel overall urban development. This initiative forms part of San Antonio’s broader strategy to mitigate the effects of necessary infrastructural development and to sustain a thriving business environment.
For more information about the program and how to apply, small business owners are encouraged to visit the City of San Antonio’s Economic Development Department or LiftFund’s websites.
