LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — Small businesses and nonprofit organizations in Las Vegas are breathing a sigh of relief that Gov. Steve Sisolak has signed Assembly Bill 106.
The bill provides an additional $50 million to small businesses by way of emergency grant funding.
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Small business owner Lola Pokorney says ongoing restrictions and a lack of financial help is keeping the doors closed at Lola’s Louisiana Kitchen in Downtown Las Vegas.
“We can’t produce revenue if we’re not open,” says Pokorny. “My main priority was making sure my employees can be employed.”
She also recently discovered a roof problem that will also have to be addressed.
For Pokorny, any grant money will be critical.
Gov. Sisolak signed the record-breaking bill Friday, as it's the largest small businesses assistance program in the state’s history.
“It’s very important not just for us, but for the state, “ says Pokorny.
Total funding for the program will now reach past $100 million.
It’s not just small businesses that need the help, but non-profit organizations are also struggling.
Project Marilyn says donations for feminine hygiene supplies are few and far between, despite their demand increasing.
“People are losing their jobs, they’re not donating money to non-profits, they’re obviously turning inward to their own families,” says Wendi Schweigart, founder.
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So far, the Pandemic Emergency Technical Support Grants Program (PETS) has approved over 4,500 applications to help small businesses and non-profit organizations state-wide.
“Especially for small non-profits like myself, who don’t have the ability to write for large grants or are super on the radar, a little bit helps us,” says Schweigart.
