The Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce today (Wednesday), announced the launch of the Atlantic Small Business Relief Fund in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The fund was kick-started by a substantial donation from a community donor. Bailey Smith, Executive Director at the Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce, says “We’re so thrilled to launch this initiative. We received a call from a community-minded individual who wanted to do something to show support for local small businesses. They kept hearing the phrase, ‘We will get through this together’, and wanted to do their part in living up to those words. They have graciously donated $10,000 to kick start this fund and we are so thankful for their generosity and look forward to helping as many businesses as we can.”

The fund will be used to provide grants to local small businesses currently suffering economic hardship due to COVID-19. These funds are not intended to replace a loss of actual or anticipated revenue, but to provide businesses with funds to keep them viable during this public health crisis. Applications will be available beginning Monday, May 11th at 9 AM on www.atlanticiowa.com and will close Friday, May 15th at 12 PM. Grants will range between $500 – $2,500. To apply, businesses must have a 50022 zip-code. Atlantic Chamber of Commerce membership for participation is not required, though preference will be given to current members and/or businesses that have not received State and/or Federal funds previously. Applications will be reviewed by a committee and awarded pending availability of funds.

Our small business community is facing many unknown effects of COVID-19. The relief fund provides an opportunity for community members and larger businesses to donate with the reassurance their donations will be used to quickly move resources to where they are most needed and to adapt to evolving needs. To help as many businesses as possible, if you are interested in donating to the fund, contact the Chamber at 712-243-3017, email chamber@atlanticiowa.com or mail donations to 102 Chestnut St., Atlantic, IA 50022.