For 18 businesses, every cent of $417,300 matters. Those restaurants, salons and entertainment entities were hit hard by the spring shutdowns that occurred due to COVID-19.

Last week, the city of Jamestown announced funding to a list of businesses through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act. In making the announcement, city Development Director Crystal Surdyk said most of the recovery grant funding has been depleted.

“We may actually be out of funds if all the ones in the queue qualify,” she said. “It’s a first come, first serve program. Once we are out of funds, we are out of funds.”

Those businesses receiving assistance include: The Pub; Fringe Hair; The Landmark; Escape Rooms Jamestown; Lotus Healing Center; Nouveau Salon & Day Spa; Panache Salon & Day Spa; Sauce; Tarp Skunks; Allen Street Diner; 4 Below Haggy’s Bar and Grill; Jamestown Bowling Company; The Cherry Lounge; The Chop House; Forte; Gialy’s; Shawbucks; and Lisciandros.

We are far from out of the woods regarding what will come next –on a local and national level. We also know, for now, New York state is being seen as a leader in keeping the numbers down when it comes to coronavirus presently.

That’s good for our health, and hopefully, for local business.