Round Rock Cares has raised more than $133,000 to support local small businesses in Round Rock.
Round Rock Mayor Craig Morgan, the Greater Round Rock Community Foundation, the Round Rock Chamber and Dell Technologies announced the initiative Wednesday, March 25, to assist local small businesses impacted by the coronavirus. At this time, more than 100 businesses have applied for financial assistance in an amount totaling more than $550,000.
“Our entire community is concerned about what recent COVID–19 disruptions to business operations may mean for our local small businesses, and for the families of their employees,” Mayor Morgan said. “Many businesses have chosen to suspend operations based on recommendations from the CDC or have been required to close as a result of necessary emergency declarations.”
While the impact of these disruptions is still largely unknown, community institutions have been hard at work responding with innovative ideas to help stabilize small businesses in Round Rock. The City, Community Foundation, Chamber and Dell Technologies each committed $25,000 to establish the Round Rock Cares fund with $100,000 to support small business in Round Rock and invite the public to make their own personal donations. Nyle Maxwell, Chairman of the Greater Round Rock Community Foundation, and his wife, Nancy, matched the first $10,000 of donations dollar for dollar, and Emerson Automation Systems has announced that the company will match another $10,000.
“In these uncertain times, it is imperative that our community comes together. The Greater Round Rock Community Foundation is proud to be part of this effort and have the opportunity to manage the Round Rock Cares Fund,” Maxwell said. “But we can’t do it alone – we need the public as a partner too. The citizens of Round Rock joining the business community in this type of collaboration is what makes Round Rock a special place to live.”
Round Rock Cares will be a charitable fund, managed by the Greater Round Rock Community Foundation. Those wishing to contribute to the fund can do so at roundrockcares.org.
“Supporting our communities is a top priority for us at Dell Technologies, and we are proud to be able to give back right here at home,” said Jeremy Ford, Vice President of Giving and Social Innovation at Dell Technologies. “Local and small businesses are an integral part of the city’s culture, and we are committed to doing our part to help them and the broader community during this time.”
Round Rock Cares plans to provide financial assistance to small and locally-owned businesses in Round Rock, allocating financial resources as quickly and as directly as possible. The fund will be directed by a committee consisting of representatives of the City, the Chamber and the business community. It is envisioned that Round Rock Cares will provide assistance to businesses for:
- Operational loan down payments
- Utility payments
- Payroll for employees still employed and working at the business
- Lease payments
- General business operations (raw materials, marketing expenses, etc.)
- Other business needs as determined by the fund oversight committee
An application and more information is available online at roundrockcares.org for interested business owners. Fund founders intend resources will be deployed to businesses as quickly as applications can be received and reviewed.
To qualify for assistance, a business must:
- Have its principal location or business address in Round Rock. This includes areas of Round Rock within Travis County and Round Rock Municipal Utility Districts within the City’s extra-territorial jurisdiction.
- Have incurred significant disruptions to operations or ability to remain open.
For more information about Round Rock Cares, visit roundrockcares.org.
