Robinson and Anderson

Director of Economic Development Frank Robinson (L) and ACCESS Montgomery’s Small Business Initiatives Coordinator Jennifer Anderson asked the commission to move leftover ARPA funds from a loan program to a storefront revitalization program. 

The Montgomery County Commission may reallocate remaining American Rescue Plan Act funds to help small businesses.

The county commission is considering a proposal to move the remaining balance of ARPA small business funds from a loan program awarded through Hope Credit Union to a storefront revitalization program administered by the Montgomery Small Business One Stop Shop or SBOSS.

At their Feb. 17 meeting, Director of Economic Development Frank Robinson and ACCESS Montgomery’s Small Business Initiatives Coordinator Jennifer Anderson told the commission that the change is needed because some businesses were not ready or willing to apply for a loan.

“We offered people financial assistance to help them get themselves together, but a lot of people didn’t have time to get all the paperwork together because they were working in the business,” Anderson said.

She added that the loan process is intimidating for some.

“A lot of people were really scared, to be honest,” she said. “As a small business owner myself, going to the bank is a terrifying concept.”

SBOSS has served more than 436 entrepreneurs, supporting 101 jobs.

The Montgomery County Commission meets on the first and third Tuesday of the month at 101 South Lawrence Street. Information sessions begin at 10 a.m. followed by the formal meeting.

Livestreamed meetings can be seen on the commission’s YouTube and Facebook pages.

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