NORWICH – On Friday, June 19, the Norwich Business Improvement District (BID) delivered checks to the area businesses that had applied for the newly created grant – The Norwich Downtown Relief Fund. This grant was developed to financially assist businesses located within the BID district that were impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Norwich BID is a non-for profit entity with a mission to support local businesses, and to foster a welcoming downtown area that people will want to work, play and visit.  

“Our priority for this grant was to assist our local business and property owners with money they could use directly for their current needs. Some have been unable to pay rent or utilities since March. Many businesses have been denied assistance, having not met certain criteria, so the BID developed this grant in hopes it would offset those costs as they begin to reopen and generate more income” said BID Board President Jamie Gaudreau-Moore.

“It’s times like these when you get to witness the generosity of others. I am proud to work and live in downtown Norwich and so happy to be a part of an organization and community that cares about each other. Thanks to the organizations and individuals that donated to our relief fund, a little weight is lifted with hopes to move forward with business downtown” stated Ann Coe, administrator for the Norwich BID.

This relief fund would not have been possible without the generous donations of local people, businesses and additional grants. “Local business sponsors really stepped up and some, like NBT Bank, donated way more than they were asked. This really shows how vital our downtown district is to our community and that supporting these businesses during such unprecedented times is important” states Gaudreau-Moore.  “The Greater Norwich Foundation also made a significant contribution, which allowed the review committee to increase the amounts awarded. We cannot thank them enough.”

In total, the relief fund raised $40,000, which includes the BID match of $15,000. The funds were then distributed based on the applications submitted to 15 downtown businesses and organizations.

 

“The feedback from the recipients are positive and all have been grateful for the support and chance to apply. We hope that the funds help as they navigate through the reopening phases and they are able to get back to normal, day-to-day business.  I urge our community to shop local and help support all our downtown businesses and organizations” states Gaudreau-Moore.  “Now, more than ever, they need all our support.”

– Submitted by the Norwich BID