PRESS RELEASE

Chicopee Mayor Vieau Reallocates Funds to Create an
Emergency Business Assistance Fund

CHICOPEE – On Wednesday, March 25, 2020, Mayor John L. Vieau has reallocated $150,000 in federal Community Development Block Grant funds to create an Emergency Business Assistance Fund.  The Emergency fund is designed to provide immediate short-term operating assistance to Chicopee small businesses impacted by COVID-19.            

“The reallocation of the HUD funding is a major hurdle, but I am pleased to announce that we have completed that task and are ready to begin immediately,” stated Mayor Vieau.

The grant application is posted on the Community Development Department’s page at https://www.chicopeema.gov/187/Community-Development but is also available electronically by calling the Office of Community Development at 413-594-1590 or the Mayor’s Office at 413-594-1500.

The City anticipates providing grant funding to 15-20 small businesses.  “We realize that many Chicopee businesses are struggling to stay afloat and unfortunately adequate resources do not exist at the local level,” stated Mayor Vieau, “but  we are committed to helping as many businesses as we can as quickly as we can.”  

The City will continue to rely upon its strong relationship with the Mass Small Business Development Center – Western Regional Office (MSBDC) to assist businesses to access other federal and state resources. To supplement the MSBDC services, the City has contracted with the Greater Chicopee Chamber of Commerce to assist impacted Chicopee businesses to identify and apply for federal and state programs.        

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