Sarno announces $2.2 million in ARPA fund awards

Date: 5/9/2023

SPRINGFIELD — Mayor Domenic Sarno announced a total of $2.2 million that will be awarded to small businesses and nonprofits in the 11th round of American Rescue Plan Act funding for the city of Springfield.

On May 3, Sarno was joined by Chief Development Officer Tim Sheehan to make the announcement, along with several of the recipients.

With that money, $1.4 million is being awarded to 23 small businesses and $888,820.70 is being awarded to 16 nonprofits. Additionally, $350,000 is being awarded under the Build Back Springfield program to back the redevelopment efforts of a vacant and historically significant building on Maple Street.

The $2.2 million in ARPA funds also includes over 3,000 households totaling over $4 million in direct cash assistance.

Throughout the process, Sarno said the city has received over 22,000 applications.

“We are the only administration in the state and few in the nation to do this comprehensive plan,” covering housing, businesses and more, he added.
Totaling the awards made throughout 11 rounds of ARPA, Sarno shared that 88% of business applications have been awarded to minority or women-owned businesses.

Additionally, he said the funding creates jobs and assists small businesses which are the “backbone” in the community.

Sheehan said, “It’s extraordinary to see the federal government in action,” and believes the ARPA money is being deployed “responsibly.”

As the ARPA awards are coming to an end, Sheehan said the city will turn its focus to expediting the individual existence payments and new businesses. He shared that they are hoping to announce new business awards in the coming weeks.

In this round of ARPA awards, the small businesses receiving funding include:

• 2 Cents Homegrown — $15,000
• 66 DKR LLC — $500,000
• Big City Builders — $10,000
• Cellular Galaxy — $10,000
• Count on Us, LLC — $10,000
• Daniel C. Brightwell Insurance — $10,000
• Digital Boombox — $50,000
• Ed’s Custom Muffler Shop — $20,000
• Excelsure Homes Healthcare Solutions, LLC — $10,000
• Gerardo’s Barber Shop & Multi-Service — $10,000
• Gifted Tones — $25,000
• Gogri Family, Inc. — $50,000
• K & O Food Mart — $25,000
• Kayden Trucking — $15,000
• Krazy Monkey Wrestling — $35,000
• Mocha Emporium — $50,000
• RNL Unlimited Inc., dba American Ballroom Dance Center — $30,000
• Springfield Hockey [Thunderbirds] — $400,000
• Springfield Wine Exchange — $25,000
• Tash Commercial Cleaning Service — $10,000
• Tito’s Barbershop — $15,000
• Vinh Chau Restaurant — $35,000
• Virtue Salon of Excellence — $35,000

The nonprofits receiving funding include:

• Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church — $33,000
• Bilingual Veteran’s Outreach Center — $150,000
• Black Behavior Health Network — $75,000
• Christina’s House — $68,000
• CLUBOH — $50,000
• Community Survival Center — $50,000
• Community United Way of Pioneer Valley — $50,000
• Grit and Gratitude Wrestling Academy — $75,000
• Latino Economic Development Corp. — $100,000
• Pan African Historical Museum — $50,000
• Spring Meadow Associated of Responsible Tenants — $21,600
• Springfield Pride Parade Organization — $25,000
• Springfield St. Patrick’s Parade Committee — $11,220.70
• Springfield Puerto Rican Parade Inc. — $25,000
• Springfield Symphony Orchestra — $80,000
• TCC STCC Radio — $25,000

After the May 3 announcement, $102 million in ARPA had been awarded to the city of Springfield.

Latino Economic Development Corporation founder and Director Andrew Melendez said, “This is Springfield,” while recognizing most awards being made to minority and women-owned businesses.

With the $102 million allocated to the city, Melendez said it is a testament to Sarno as he could have put this toward city-owned projects, but instead put it toward the people.

Grit and Gratitude Wrestling Academy head coach Darby McLaughlin thanked Sarno and his administration for this award to the nonprofit organization. He acknowledged Sarno’s commitment to youth and assured that every dollar would be used wisely.

Springfield Thunderbirds President Nathan Costa said although they are considered a professional sports team, they are also a small business. After returning from a two-year shutdown during COVID-19, Costa said they worked to bring the community back to a good and safe environment.

Costa said funds awarded through this round will be used for programs that were put on hold and they will be using the sport to give back to the community as well.