$1 million in grants given to small uptown businesses struggling due to COVID
When COVID-19 shutdowns occurred in March, Clarence Powell had to change the way his music shop on Beatties Ford Road operated.
His store, The Shed Drum Shop, sells instruments and offers practice and event spaces and music lessons for artists.
Powell said manufacturers have closed, so his instrument inventory has suffered. And he’s had to rethink the way The Shed Drum Shop offers studio and event space due to COVID-19 safety requirements.
“It has been a tough, challenging situation to get over,” he said.
On Thursday, Powell found out he received a grant from the Charlotte Center City Small Business Innovation Fund to help him adapt to these new economic realities caused by coronavirus.
The fund awarded over $1 million in grants to 34 small businesses in uptown Charlotte, according to a Thursday statement from the fund’s partners.
It was created by a partnership between Charlotte Center City Partners, Foundation For The Carolinas and Honeywell. Applications for the first round of grants opened in July.
Thirty-four grantees were selected from 193 applicants, the statement said. And 94% of grantees were minority, women or veteran-owned businesses.
The grants ranged from $3,000 to $40,000 said James Labar, director of economic development for Charlotte Center City Partners.
Powell said The Shed will use money from the grant for audio and video technology so that people can come in to use the studio spaces while social distancing. He’s also looking to be able to hold virtual showcases and live-streaming events.
“We’re struggling,” he said. “But we’re still here.”
The application period for the second round of the innovation fund will open toward the end of August, the statement said. All first-round applicants that did not receive funding will be automatically considered. More information can be found at charlottecentercity.org..
This story was originally published August 7, 2020 at 12:58 PM.
