Florence’s pandemic grant program is helping local attractions

For-profit and nonprofits benefiting from ‘Returning Stronger’

by Janet Perez | Florence Independent

The Town of Florence has given out nearly $319,000 to small businesses affected by the coronavirus pandemic and lockdown last year.

“I believe the program has been very successful and am thrilled that we have been able to get additional funds into the community,” said Benjamin Bitter, Florence’s Intergovernmental and Communications Manager.

With $500,000, the Florence Town Council created the Returning Stronger Grant program. But during its Nov. 2 meeting, council members realized after the initial Oct. 31 deadline for applications had passed, less than half of the $500,000 had been doled out.

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