Use this search box to find articles that have run in our newspapers over the last several years.
Date: 2/16/2022
SPRINGFIELD – The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) not only serves the government as it recover from the pandemic’s impacts, but also local business and nonprofit owners submitting Request for Proposals (RFP) for funding. On Feb. 1, Mayor Domenic Sarno, Chief Development Officer (CDO) Tim Sheehan and the ARPA Committee announced the second round of RFP approvals for businesses and nonprofits.
Springfield continues to distribute the $123.8 million received by the city in the ARPA process. In a press release, Sarno expressed his intentions for the funds to aid several facets throughout the city, including nonprofit assistance, new business assistance, small business assistance, senior citizen assistance, neighborhood/household assistance, capital projects/public space improvements and job creation/economic development.
The second round awarded a mix of businesses and nonprofits alike. In the business sector, MNM Investments, Devin Davon Footwear and Sage Home Builders each received $50,000 in funds. Additionally, 413 Café received $20,000, Chabela’s Beauty Salon earned $19,550 and Pena Lopez Auto Repair also received $75,000. Similar to the first round of RFP requests approved in December 2021, each entity represents diverse business owners across the city, according to the city’s press release.
For nonprofits, World is our Classroom accepted $100,000, MORE obtained $25,000, Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame earned $49,235, the Forest Park Zoo and Education Center received $115,300 and Junior Achievement obtained $95,650. Between the two sectors, Springfield is awarding $265,550 to small businesses and $385,185 to nonprofits for a total of $650,735 for this second round of RFP approvals.
ARPA Committee member and City Council President Marcus Williams expressed pride in the RFP process awarding diversity across the city. “I am proud to report that all six of the small businesses awarded in this round, over $265,550, will be going to minority and/or women owned businesses, which will have a tremendously positive impact within our community,” he said in his official statement.
On Feb. 4, Sarno, Sheehan and state Rep. Carlos Gonzalez gathered at Pena Lopez Auto Repair at 961 East Columbus Ave. to celebrate the ARPA awards. At the ceremony, Gonzalez expressed support for city’s approach throughout the process.
“These ARPA funds are a chance for the city, state and the federal governments to invest in locally owned micro businesses and provide needed help to women, Black and Latino-owned businesses that were heavily impacted by the pandemic. Diversity is our strength and equity is our goal,” said Gonzalez.
Springfield will continue to distribute ARPA funds to RFP applicants and city projects over the coming months.