Prattville, AL- A relief fund initiative for small businesses impacted by COVID-19 has been created through a partnership between First Baptist Church Prattville and the Prattville Area Chamber of Commerce.
Since the onset of the coronavirus pandemic, local businesses have been at the forefront of the impacts and the response of this unprecedented health and economic crisis. The Stronger Together Small Business Relief Fund has been created as a result of our philanthropic community coming together to help our small businesses survive the economic impacts of the COVID-19 crisis. First Baptist Church of Prattville created a T-shirt that could be purchased by residents to show their support for small businesses and the proceeds and donations were used to create the Stronger Together Small Business Relief Fund.
“Seeing firsthand how the pandemic was greatly impacting our local small businesses, our entire staff and congregation was moved to live on mission by meeting the needs of those in our community in a way that reflects the generosity of Jesus,” said Dr. Peyton Hill, Senior Pastor First Baptist Church Prattville. “The Prattville Strong campaign was born out of a love for the gospel of Jesus and a love for our community, and 100% of the purchase price of the t-shirt and all donations collected during the campaign were presented to the Prattville Chamber to establish a grant to help our hurting business community. We want to love our community like Jesus loves our community!”
Due to the overwhelming support of the residents of the community, First Baptist Church Prattville presented the Prattville Area Chamber of Commerce a check for $10,750.00 to create the Stronger Together Small Business Relief Grant Fund. The Prattville Chamber is matching the funds to support as many local small businesses as possible during this crisis.
“Every single small business that calls the Prattville/Autauga area home is important! They are all a part of the fabric of our community that makes Prattville so unique and successful,” stated Eric Morgan, CEO of Prattville Baptist Hospital and Chairman of the Prattville Board of Directors. “Just as we have taken the necessary steps to protect the health of ourselves, our loved ones and the population as a whole, we must also make extraordinary efforts to protect the health of our vibrant small business community. The investment we make now, ensures the future of our vibrant growing community for everyone.”
Stronger Together Grants up to $1,000 will be available for small businesses and must be applied toward working capital and business expenses. Applications will be accepted beginning October 1, 2020. To be eligible, the business must be a for profit business that experienced a financial hardship due to COVID-19; must have employed 50 or less full-time employees as of February 29,2020; must have been operating on or before April 1, 2019; the business must be located or licensed within the city of
Prattville or Autauga County and if the business is located outside of Prattville or Autauga County, but conducts operations in Prattville, the applicant will be asked to submit documentation of such operations. To apply, the business does not have to be a Prattville Area Chamber of Commerce Member.
“We are extremely grateful to Dr. Peyton Hill and his entire congregation for creating the Stronger Together T-shirts, and we are very thankful for our residents who purchased these shirts to show their support for our amazing business community,” said Patty VanderWal, President of the Prattville Area Chamber of Commerce.
“Through the years, our small businesses have been there for us, setting the foundation for future economic growth while making our community unique and special. Now, more than ever, it’s time for us all to rally behind our small businesses that make Prattville and Autauga County a wonderful place to live, work and play. These grants will offer a much-needed lifeline to many businesses that have been affected by the pandemic. And also remember, when you are spending money locally you are helping our businesses to thrive and grow while investing in the future of our
community.”
For more information about the Stronger Together Small Business Relief Fund visit the Prattville Area Chamber of Commerce’s website: www.prattvillechamber.com.
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