By Tammy Gray A third round of Holbrook Recovery and Revitalization Project grants are being issued by the Holbrook Chamber of Commerce but the deadline to request an application is today (Wednesday, May 5). All businesses in Holbrook that have been negatively affected by the pandemic are eligible. Chamber Director Cindy Tafoya noted that revitalization projects, such as repairing signs, painting the exterior of buildings and repairing facades, as well as COVID safety mitigation projects, will be given priority consideration for grant funding. According to Tafoya, “(The business) has to have been impacted by COVID.” She explained that if businesses were unable to complete certain repairs or maintenance because the pandemic reduced their usual income, then they can apply for funding to get those types of projects done. Recipients will be selected using a point system, with some projects and business locations receiving more points than others. For example, Tafoya noted that businesses located directly on Navajo Blvd. or Hopi Drive will receive higher, with businesses located off of the main streets receiving lower points. “But those businesses can still apply,” she said, regarding locations not on main streets, “They may get more points in other areas.” Since the funding, which was provided by the Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Industry, is intended to address pandemic related issues, projects that address COVID safety also score high. The grants being offered are up to $1,000 each, but the amount can vary depending on the cost of the project. Tafoya noted that the chamber has already awarded 10 grants in various amounts. Recipients will have until November 2021 to complete the grant project. According to Tafoya, two grant projects funded in previous rounds are nearing completion. The First Step Workshop was awarded funding for signs, which Tafoya expects will be completed very soon. The Empty Pockets Saloon also received funding to repair the façade of the building and improve the parking lot. “Empty Pockets has been waiting on the weather to finish the parking lot,” she explained, noting that the current spring-like weather should allow them to finish in a short time. Other businesses awarded grants include Romo’s Café, Esmeralda’s Belavida Salon, Arizona Sake, Roxy Theater, Mr. G’s Yard Sale and Arizona Auto. Depending on the cost of the projects submitted, Tafoya expects that the chamber will award three to four grants in this final round of applications. “I expect it to be even more competitive than the first two rounds,” she said. A request for application materials should be submitted by the end of business today (May 5), and the completed application must be returned by May 14 in order to be considered. Applications can be requested by sending an email to 2020holbrookgrant@gmail.com. Additional information can be obtained by calling the Chamber of Commerce office at (928) 524-6558, or Cindy Tafoya at 928-241-1850.
