The Mt. Airy Community Development Corporation (CDC) will open applications for a fourth round of business relief funds on Friday, January 15.

The CDC’s first round of relief grants were distributed to eight local businesses in April, then a second round to 15 businesses in May and a third to 29 businesses in June.

“We did this before any of the federal programs came out,” explained Brad Copeland, Executive Director. “We’re just trying to get a sense of who in the community needs support. A lot of businesses, this was the first, and, some of them, the only money they received.”

Government funds were in place for the rest of the year, but the delay in passing a stimulus bill in December triggered a concern that another installment of local funding might be necessary.

The new grants will be distributed from a fund of $20,000, raised from 71 local donors and a matching grant.

“This is all coming from the community to support the local business owners,” said Copeland.

The grants have varied from $250 to several thousand and have been issued to businesses ranging from Rothe’s Florists to Our House Culture Center to Q Nails Spa, and are targeted at immediate needs.

“The amounts of money that we’re giving out are relatively small, but the fact that it’s coming from their neighbors, the people in the community, it means a lot to the business owners,” said Copeland. “It gives them a sense that they really are part of the community, that they’re appreciated by the residents, which is an impactful boost for them, beyond the monetary value.”

The application process will be open through the beginning of February.

For more, see mtairycdc.org.