Memphis, Tenn. (February 3, 2021) – Eight local businesses struggling with the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic received some relief today in the form of NEED Grants. The businesses—six restaurants and two salons—each received $5,000.
The EDGE Finance Committee also received an update on the second round of NEED Grants awarded to date. As businesses faced additional struggles amid new COVID-19 restrictions, EDGE amended its NEED Grant program to allow restaurants, bars, and grocers that previously received NEED Grants and were further affected by Shelby County Health Department Directives, to qualify for an additional $5,000 grant. So far, 16 businesses have been awarded a second-round grant.
One recipient, Hot Wings Express II on Winchester, has been dealing with product shortages, supplier interruptions, and rising vendor prices. After nearly a year, the restaurant is still unable to resume dine-in service and can only allow three to four customers in at a time to order.
“With Covid-19 still on the rise, we continue to be economical in all of our decisions to keep the business open,” said Hot Wings Express II owner Janice Warren. “We were very gracious to get the first-round grant, and the second round is a blessing.”
To date, EDGE has awarded $931,700 to 154 businesses throughout Memphis’ most vulnerable neighborhoods; 130 of those (84%) are Minority/Women-Owned Businesses.
The NEED Grant was created to provide relief to small businesses located in Memphis’ most vulnerable neighborhoods that have been affected by the COVID-19 outbreak. First-time NEED Grant applicants may still qualify for a one-time award of between $5,000 and $10,000.
