Today, as National Small Business Week draws to a close, the Democratic Party of Georgia is recognizing small business owners and entrepreneurs across the state and acknowledging their countless contributions to Georgia’s economy and communities, especially amid the past year of uncertainty and hardship.

“Small businesses are the lifeblood of Georgia’s economy and our local communities, and they have faced unprecedented challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic. But thanks to the Biden-Harris administration and Democrats in Congress, small businesses are getting much-needed relief and our economy is getting back on track,” said Rebecca Galanti, spokesperson for the Democratic Party of Georgia. “Today and every day, Democrats celebrate the resilience of small businesses during this incredibly difficult year, honor their contributions to Main Streets across Georgia, and recommit ourselves to supporting small business owners and getting them the help they need to thrive and continue powering our economy.”

The American Rescue Plan’s aid for small businesses includes:

• Money to cover payroll: $7.25 billion addition to the Paycheck Protection Program, which offers forgivable loans to businesses to cover payroll and expenses.
• Aid for underserved businesses: $15 billion earmarked for a grant program for small businesses in underserved areas, especially minority-owned businesses.
• Relief for restaurants: $29 billion for a grant program providing direct relief to restaurants.
• Assistance to states: $10 billion allocated to state governments to assist their small businesses economics through private capital, low-interest loans, and other investments.
• Relief for closed venues: $15 billion addition to the Shuttered Venue Operators Grants program to help entertainment venues that are shut down.

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