North Austin News

The Pflugerville Chamber of Commerce has launched an emergency grant program for local small businesses. 

The Pflugerville Pfund will help small businesses get by during the coronavirus crisis. This includes any local businesses that qualify, according to the Community Impact Newspaper.

The Pflugerville Chamber of Commerce's website states that the program will provide up to $5,000 in grants to businesses affected by COVID-19. Eligible businesses must be in the city limits and employ less than 50 people. Applications are available online. 

Businesses considered a priority for the grant include those that have laid off employees; closed; limited availability to curbside, delivery or takeout; or can show other direct impacts.

Chamber President and CEO Shontel Mays validated the program during the Pflugerville Community Development Corp.'s (PCDC) meeting on April 9.

Mays coined the program the Pflugerville Pfund. The program's goal was to start with $50,000 to provide businesses with grants. The Statesman reports that the program raised nearly $40,000.

Community Impact reports that the Pflugerville Pfund is the most unique small business emergency grant program to be implemented in recent weeks. 

Mays said the web page and application process are ready to receive applications and that the program will give businesses directly impacted by the coronavirus crisis "a fighting chance," Community Impact Newspaper reports.

“As a chamber, we’re here to really foster partnerships and collaboration," Mays told Community Impact Newspaper, adding that the process of putting this emergency program together has been done as "a labor of love."

The Pflugerville Community Development Corp., Pflugerville Economic Development Foundation, Recurrent Energy and Montoya & Monzingo LLP Certified Public Accountants partnered with the chamber for the program.