The City of Casa Grande has launched Casa Grande CARES program to Financially Assist Local Businesses and Non-Profits

[NEWS RELEASE] The COVID-19 global pandemic has waged a devastating battle against life and livelihood for many. National and local economies have endured serious blows to progress made in recent years. The virus has unfortunately forced many to fight on multiple fronts at once. The (City) of Casa Grande has worked hard to provide the community with vital COVID-19 resources and small business assistance. Today, the City is launching Casa Grande CARES to financially assist qualifying local businesses and federally recognized non-profits with a one-time reimbursement up to $10,000.

According to the United States Small Business Administration, “small businesses comprise 99.9% of all U.S. firms” and, between 2000 to 2017, created an impressive 8.4 million new jobs (net) while large businesses created 4.4 million. Nationally, “non-profits employ 12.3 million people” and sparks economic activity that ripples through local communities, according to the National Council of Non-Profits.

“Small businesses are the economic engine of our growing community,” explained City Mayor Craig McFarland, “while non-profits help to sustain us. Casa Grande CARES offers critical assistance to help both forge their way through this difficult time.”

The City encourages local companies and organizations to apply for this program if they have been negatively impacted by Arizona’s “Stay Home, Stay Healthy, Stay Connected” Executive Order issued by Governor Doug Ducey to help contain the spread of COVID-19. It reimburses applicable small business and non-profit rent, mortgage, utilities expenses and/or the purchase of personal protective equipment from March-April-May 2020 or April-May-June 2020. Applications will be accepted now through September 11, 2020, 5:00 p.m. (MST). Funding will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.

Qualified applicants must be located at a physical, commercial address within City boundaries. Individual Arizona franchised businesses cannot be owned by a national chain or out-of-state corporation. Apply early at www.casagrandeaz.gov/cgcares or pick up an application from the Clerk’s Office in City Hall. Companies are ineligible if they have received prior federal assistance. Please contact Mackenzie Letcher at Mackenzie_Letcher@casagrandeaz.gov or (520) 421-8600, ext 1251, Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.