SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC News) – The city of Syracuse is awarding $2 million in pandemic-related grants to 43 local businesses. The grants are part of a continued effort by Mayor Ben Walsh to revitalize the city and stabilize local businesses in the wake of the pandemic.
Na’Donte Jones owns NJ Jones Plumbing LLC, and is one of the 43 business owners receiving funding. As Jones transitions his business to a new office, the monetary help is vital.
“It’s definitely a help to get this done quicker than it would have been otherwise,” Jones said. “It’s a lot of money to come up with. Although we’re making money, you don’t want to spend it to quick.”
The arrangement is a win-win for all parties involved. The city of Syracuse is able to help out local businesses, which in turn makes the city look better as a whole. For the local businesses, like NJ Jones Plumbing, the grants allow for better service to customers throughout the Syracuse area.
“We’re about nine years old right now and that’s a lot of revenue for the city to tax,” Jones said. “So I think it would be in their best interest to keep a business like me going.”
It’s not the first time the city has awarded pandemic-related grants. Walsh began the initiative during the pandemic to try to help the Syracuse economy. As Jones and his company move locations, the grant serves as an important cushion.
“We still aren’t getting all of our mail yet and some of our checks,” Jones said. “It’s a process, but it’s like anything else, you just keep on chugging and get it done.”
As a whole, Mayor Walsh estimates the grants will bring 230 new jobs and retain 92 more across the city. Two-thirds of the grants to for-profit institutions are being given to black, indigenous and people of color, and women entrepreneurs. The Downtown Syracuse foundation will utilize its funding to improve new lighting, signage and kiosks.
