River Bend Times

The state of Iowa has issued $1.5 million in support of small businesses in Scott County.

According to Quad-City Times, 75 small businesses within Scott County were awarded a total of $1.5 million in grants from the state of Iowa. 

The state of Iowa has a Small Business Relief Grant Program which has a fund of $24 million. The goal of the program is to direct short-term cash flow aid to small businesses for 30 days in order to help the companies stay in business or reopen their businesses.

While the individual companies vary in size and industry, many of the small businesses receiving a portion of the $1.5 million aid are bars and restaurants. Many of these companies range in size from two to 25 employees. The majority of the small business to receive aid were given $25,000. Abbey Carpets, Fusion Salon & Spa and Pawsitively Purrfect Pet Grooming also received funding from the program. 

One of the specific businesses to receive $25,000 was Van’s Pizza, Pub and Grill in Davenport. 

Adam Reed, the owner of the restaurant, said that it has been a relief for his company to be given aid. 

“It’s a weight lifted off our shoulder,” Reed said. “It’s really going to help us. It’s going to keep us afloat.” 

Van’s Pizza, Pub and Grill is located at 3333 N. Harrison St., and will stay open for carryout. Reed said that the grant’s funding will be directed toward expenses such as rent, food purchases and utility bills. 

Reed was forced to lay off 20 employees when closures started coming to the county. Reed said that the grant will also be helpful for those individuals who previously worked for the restaurant as they will be able to return to work after life goes back to normal. 

Reed is currently expecting that it will be at least June before he can reopen his business.