The COVID-19 pandemic wrecked havoc on businesses throughout the DMV area. Small and local business were particularly hit hard when DC Mayor Muriel Bowser ordered non essential businesses closed. The mayor’s order additionally prohibited restaurants and other eating establishments from providing dine-in service. TPMS retail clothing stores, massage services, barber shops, some child care centers and other nonessential businesses were unable to generate revenue. Revenue by TPMS food establishments was severely curtailed because of the no dine-in restriction.

TPMS Board of Directors recognized the need to provide immediate assistance to small businesses within the boundaries to help with payroll, rent, utilities and insurance. TPMS FY2020 budgeted funds, (provided by Department of Small and Local Business Development) intended for events were repurposed as grants for direct assistance to small businesses to get through COVID-19.

TPMS Board Chair Rhonda Henderson tasked the Economic Vitality Committee, chaired by Joe Carrol, with developing an expedited competitive grant application process to help small businesses.

Eight TPMS small businesses were awarded a total of $34,000 to help them survive COVID-19. Each business thanked the Department of Small and Local Business Development, Center for Nonprofit Advancement and The Parks Main Street for the funding with this video.