Mayor Barlow announces $225,000 awarded in REVIVAL Grants to local businesses
Mayor Billy Barlow announced today the recipients of the City of Oswego’s COVID-19 REVIVAL grant program, funded through the federal government’s American Rescue Plan. Last month, Barlow announced the creation of the COVID-19 REVIVAL grant program to assist local businesses with re-opening and recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic. Originally, $150,000 was allocated from the $1.89 million the city received from the American Rescue Plan. After receiving approximately 50 applications totaling over $750,000 in funding requests, the city increased the available funding from $150,000 to $225,000. To be eligible, businesses had to demonstrate a hardship created by the COVID-19 pandemic that prevented the business from reopening or propose a project in reaction to the pandemic. New businesses, businesses looking to re-locate, expansions or improvement projects were also eligible for funding.
“We received a great deal of interest in the program, further demonstrating the need and continued assistance our local, small business owners need during this difficult time,” said Mayor Billy Barlow. “Our REVIVIAL grant funding will help businesses fully recover from the pandemic while allowing for businesses to tackle additional improvement projects and enhancements to safely serve customers moving forward,” Barlow said.
Below are the recipients and awards for the COVID-19 REVIVAL Fund Grant Program:
Murdock’s Bike Shop - $3,000
Riverside Artisans - $3,000
Sensibility Outfitters - $3,000
Gaslight Pub - $3,000
Oswego Comic Shop - $3,000
Karpinski’s Dry Cleaning - $3,000
Zamp’s Apparel- $5,000
AlleyCat - $5,000
Garafolo’s Imports - $5,000
Spencer’s Ali - $5,000
Sherry’s Diner - $5,000
Khepara Coffee - $5,000
Valti Graphics - $5,000
Convergence Gaming - $5,000
Eastside Nutrition - $5,000
Oswego Tea Company - $5,000
Coffee Connection - $5,000
Dynamic Impressions - $5,000
Connection Point - $5,000
John & John’s Bike Shop - $5,000
Duffy’s Design - $5,000
LaParilla - $7,000
Infinity Fitness - $10,000
In-Vogue - $10,000
Curtis Manor - $10,000
Vona’s Restaurant - $10,000
A&J Music - $10,000
Wade’s Diner - $10,000
The Sting - $10,000
Little Luke’s Daycare- $10,000
Creative Development (1850 House) - $15,000
Rooftop Lounge @ LITATRO - $15,000
Camelot Lodge (former Stone’s Building) - $15,000
David Haight of Vona's Restaurant said, “Vona’s Restaurant and the entire Vona Family is extremely humbled and thankful for the City of Oswego’s REVIVAL Grant that has been awarded to us through Mayor Barlow and the Economic Development Office. With this grant we will be able to complete our outdoor dining project. We are grateful to our mayor and all the work he has done for our community.”
Leslie Berkley, CEO of Infinity Fitness said, “we would like to thank the Mayor Billy Barlow and the City of Oswego for recognizing and helping the forgotten fitness industry during the pandemic. This grant will go a long way in helping us maintain our programs for the youth, pregnant moms, senior citizens, athletes, and anyone seeking true fitness while Infinity Fitness continues to provide the quality and service that Oswego has come to expect. Thank you very much for the support during this difficult time!”
Tonia Reed, owner of In-Vogue Salon & Spa said, “this past year has brought many challenges and uncertainties. With the help of my wonderful staff and amazing clients, we all worked together to provide a safe environment throughout this pandemic. As a local business owner for more than 16 years, I would like to express my gratitude to the Mayor Barlow and the Economic Development Office for selecting my business to receive the REVIVAL grant. I look forward to more growth and providing the community with a fun and relaxing atmosphere at In-Vogue Salon & Spa.”
Rob Corradino, President of the Oswego Common Council said, “the Common Council is happy to support the COVID-19 REVIVAL Fund to directly assist our local small business owners. I look forward to seeing our businesses fully re-open and the good projects that are sure to come from this funding.”
Businesses awarded REVIVAL funding should contact the City of Oswego Office of Economic Development located at 44 East Bridge Street, (315) 343-3795 to get started on the grant allocation process. Projects awarded funding must be completed by July 2022.