Counties and the American Rescue Plan Act Recovery Fund: Small Businesses

Error message
In order to filter by the "in queue" property, you need to add the Entityqueue: Queue relationship.-
Reports & ToolkitsAcross the nation, counties generate millions in economic output. Small businesses are an essential part of the county economy by supporting the production of local goods and fostering a dynamic workforce.Counties and the American Rescue Plan Act Recovery Fund: Small BusinessesMarch 3, 2022March 3, 2022, 4:15 pm
-
Document
Counties and the American Rescue Plan Act Recovery Fund: Small Businesses
THE RECOVERY FUND AND SMALL BUSINESSES
The Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund (Recovery Fund), part of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), which NACo helped to develop and strongly advocated to pass, allocates $65.1 billion. These funds provide direct, flexible aid for every county, parish and borough in America. Counties are on the front lines in delivering this aid to residents and are a driving force connecting communities and strengthening the economy.
As directed by the ARPA and the U.S. Department of Treasury, counties can invest Recovery Funds into a broad range of programs, services and projects under five categories to: support the public health response; address negative economic impacts caused by COVID-19; replace lost revenue; provide premium pay to essential workers; and invest in water, sewer and broadband infrastructure.
Since the enactment of the ARPA, America’s counties have been working hard to develop Recovery Fund implementation plans that will help spur an equitable economic recovery across the nation. As sound financial stewards, counties are investing these critical Recovery Funds to ensure the health and well-being of our nation’s residents and the economic vitality of our local communities. Many counties are in the preliminary stages of development and implementation of our Recovery Fund Plans. This report highlights county investments to create business entrepreneurship programs, distribute small business aid and provide support for diverse business owners.
COUNTIES GENERATE TRILLIONS IN ECONOMIC OUTPUT
Across the nation, counties generate millions in economic output. Small businesses are an essential part of the county economy by supporting the production of local goods and fostering a dynamic workforce.
View in Fullscreen
COUNTIES PLAN TO INVEST RECOVERY FUNDS TO:
COUNTIES ARE PROVIDING COMPREHENSIVE SUPPORT FOR SMALL BUSINESSES
How are counties investing the funds? NACo analysis of 200 county ARPA Recovery Fund plans reveals county-designed investments in the community across key areas of need. These local priorities are found within county plans at the rate displayed in the chart, e.g. 37 percent of county plans include investments in small businesses. The darker bars are the investment categories adjacent to small businesses that support the continuation and expansion of services in counties. The examples in this report further illustrate the allocations to support small business on the local level.
Note: NACo analysis of 200 county Recovery Plan Performance Reports from counties with a population of 250,000 and above, as required by the U.S. Department of Treasury. Analysis is as of Nov. 19, 2021. While the bar chart sources Recovery Plans, the narrative examples in this report draw from a variety of resources including the Recovery Plans, press releases and other official documents.
ARAPAHOE COUNTY, COLO.
Arapahoe County is assisting businesses with re-opening measures by allocating $100,000 to provide small businesses with personal protective equipment (PPE) grants. The county has also allocated $7 million in Recovery Funds to a Rent Rescue Grant Program for small- and medium-sized businesses in order to bolster businesses who were most impacted by the economic downturn from the pandemic.
CAMDEN COUNTY, N.J.
Camden County is strengthening local business capacity by allocating Recovery Funds to small businesses which did not receive any prior COVID-19 relief. The county’s Small Business Grant Program will support both the immediate relief and long-term sustainability of small businesses in the community who are still facing financial hardship.
CHESHIRE COUNTY, N.H.
Cheshire County is providing emergency grants to county businesses and nonprofits, which was made possible through a $1 million allocation of Recovery Funds. The funding is intended to help the community recover from the COVID-19 pandemic and prioritize sustainable investments in the county’s residents.
COLLIER COUNTY, FLA.
Collier County is supporting small business resiliency by providing disaster loan and utility bill payment forgiveness. The county is also utilizing Recovery Funds to support businesses that were adversely affected by COVID-19 with business software upgrades, digital marketing and strategic plan counseling to ensure they have the tools they need to survive the ongoing public health crisis.
FAIRFAX COUNTY, VA.
Fairfax County is mitigating negative economic impacts of the pandemic through a $25 million investment in the county’s PIVOT Business Recovery Grant Program and $10 million in the Active and Thriving Communities Grant Program. The two grants will support a range of businesses and non-profits in the county as they return to normal operations, including food services, hotels, retail services, arts organizations, childcare programs and other community-based organizations.
FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS
Fort Bend County will support over 1,000 small businesses with supplemental grant awards through a $10.1 million allocation in Recovery Funds. Additionally, the county set aside $1.2 million for a business accelerator program that will provide a 12-course certification for businesses to give them the tools to develop an even stronger business in the wake of COVID-19.
JEFFERSON COUNTY, MONT.
Jefferson County will utilize Recovery Funds to establish a small business revolving loan fund to support business development and expansion in the community. The county will also allocate $300,000 for entrepreneurship and incubation development opportunities for small businesses. County officials will work directly with businesses impacted by the pandemic to help improve and/or expand existing operations.
KING COUNTY, WASH.
King County is encouraging a safe return to business through the “Safe Start – Tavern and Restaurant Program.” The program utilizes over $2 million in Recovery Funds to provide technical assistance, community outreach and compliance enforcement to help food establishments cope with increased operational costs due to new pandemic regulations. The program helps small businesses bear the burden of these extra costs while also ensuring public health remains the county’s top priority during the ongoing COVID-19 crisis.
NASSAU COUNTY, N.Y.
Nassau County is focusing on robust economic recovery with a $10 million investment in the small business grant program, $10 million in the small business COVID-19 recovery loan program, $1.5 million for a small business technical assistance program and $500,000 for the Boost Nassau Resource Center. The new Resource Center will be a one-stop shop for information and guidance on the various ARPA-funded programs that are available to small business owners and non-profits as they recover from the financial losses brought on by the pandemic.
SALINE COUNTY, KAN.
Saline County is planning to partner with the Salina Chamber Foundation to stabilize local businesses through a phased approach. The first phase will focus on small business grants for immediate relief, and the second phase will focus on long-term issues related to economic development. The county will also use Recovery Funds to support the Salina Airport Authority and bolster travel and tourism related businesses that struggled to survive during the pandemic.
THURSTON COUNTY, WASH.
Thurston County is ensuring an equitable economic recovery through a $3.3 million allocation for the Minority Enterprise Investment. The Enterprise Investment will provide $10,000 grants to minority-owned businesses and entrepreneurs that struggled to maintain operations during the pandemic. Another $2.2 million is allocated for the Thurston Strong Microbusiness Recovery Grants. The Recovery Grants will support any small business that shows proof of economic hardship over the past year and a half.
TULARE COUNTY, CALIF.
Tulare County will assist an estimated 965 businesses with operating costs that were shut down during the pandemic. The $925,000 allocation is addressing a key county need and is supported by the ARPA legislation.
Across the nation, counties generate millions in economic output. Small businesses are an essential part of the county economy by supporting the production of local goods and fostering a dynamic workforce.2022-03-03Reports & Toolkits2022-07-18
THE RECOVERY FUND AND SMALL BUSINESSESThe Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund (Recovery Fund), part of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), which NACo helped to develop and strongly advocated to pass, allocates $65.1 billion. These funds provide direct, flexible aid for every county, parish and borough in America. Counties are on the front lines in delivering this aid to residents and are a driving force connecting communities and strengthening the economy. As directed by the ARPA and the U.S. Department of Treasury, counties can invest Recovery Funds into a broad range of programs, services and projects under five categories to: support the public health response; address negative economic impacts caused by COVID-19; replace lost revenue; provide premium pay to essential workers; and invest in water, sewer and broadband infrastructure. Since the enactment of the ARPA, America’s counties have been working hard to develop Recovery Fund implementation plans that will help spur an equitable economic recovery across the nation. As sound financial stewards, counties are investing these critical Recovery Funds to ensure the health and well-being of our nation’s residents and the economic vitality of our local communities. Many counties are in the preliminary stages of development and implementation of our Recovery Fund Plans. This report highlights county investments to create business entrepreneurship programs, distribute small business aid and provide support for diverse business owners. |
COUNTIES GENERATE TRILLIONS IN ECONOMIC OUTPUT
Across the nation, counties generate millions in economic output. Small businesses are an essential part of the county economy by supporting the production of local goods and fostering a dynamic workforce.
COUNTIES PLAN TO INVEST RECOVERY FUNDS TO:
COUNTIES ARE PROVIDING COMPREHENSIVE SUPPORT FOR SMALL BUSINESSES
How are counties investing the funds? NACo analysis of 200 county ARPA Recovery Fund plans reveals county-designed investments in the community across key areas of need. These local priorities are found within county plans at the rate displayed in the chart, e.g. 37 percent of county plans include investments in small businesses. The darker bars are the investment categories adjacent to small businesses that support the continuation and expansion of services in counties. The examples in this report further illustrate the allocations to support small business on the local level.
Note: NACo analysis of 200 county Recovery Plan Performance Reports from counties with a population of 250,000 and above, as required by the U.S. Department of Treasury. Analysis is as of Nov. 19, 2021. While the bar chart sources Recovery Plans, the narrative examples in this report draw from a variety of resources including the Recovery Plans, press releases and other official documents.

-
Reports & Toolkits
Counties and the American Rescue Plan Act Recovery Fund: Clean Water, Sewer & Stormwater Infrastructure
Learn about county investments to expand clean water practices, strengthen stormwater mitigation tactics and improve local sewer systems. -
Reports & Toolkits
Counties and the American Rescue Plan Act Recovery Fund: Intergovernmental Partnerships
Learn about county investments complemented by intergovernmental partnerships to efficiently deliver programs and services, leverage state funding opportunities and support a regional approach to recovery. -
Reports & Toolkits
Counties and the American Rescue Plan Act Recovery Fund: Public Health Infrastructure
Learn about county investments in public health infrastructure. -
Reports & Toolkits
Counties and the American Rescue Plan Act Recovery Fund: The Social Determinants of Health
THE RECOVERY FUND AND THE SOCIAL DETERMINANTS OF HEALTH
-
Blog
Treasury releases Local Assistance and Tribal Consistency Fund payments to eligible counties
The U.S. Department of the Treasury announced the release of Local Assistance and Tribal Consistency Fund (LATCF) payments to counties. -
Reports & Toolkits
ARPA Impact Report: An Analysis of How Counties are Addressing National Issues With Local Investments
With American Rescue Plan funds, counties are strengthening America’s workforce, addressing the nation’s behavioral health crisis, expanding broadband access, improving housing affordability and building prosperous communities for the next generation. -
Reports & Toolkits
Strengthening Local Economies through the Recovery Fund: Executive Summary
NACo's report examines how counties are leveraging American Rescue Plan resources to support communities and rebuild the economy, even as the pandemic continues to affect jobs, public health, housing, and more. -
County News
NACo's new report shows how counties are investing ARPA dollars
In the two years since ARPA's historic passage, counties continue to make transformational investments, spur recovery efforts and bolster the economy through our Recovery Fund allocations. -
Reports & Toolkits
American Rescue Plan Resource Hub
In March of 2021, the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 authorized the $350 billion State and Local Coronavirus Fiscal Recovery Fund (Recovery Fund), which provided $65.1 billion in direct, flexible aid to every county in America. -
Blog
Highlight two years of county investments of ARPA funds
March 11 marks the two year anniversary of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). Join NACo in a week-long celebration of county work to deliver key aid to residents through investments of ARPA resources. -
County News
ARPA dollars fuel refugee workforce training in Georgia
DeKalb County, Ga. funded a trades program to employ and train refugees while benefiting homeowners in need of repairs. -
County News
S.C. county invests ARPA dollars in home repairs for the elderly
Charleston County, S.C. is using $3 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds on a home-repair program for its older, low-to-moderate income residents to reduce energy costs and increase safety measures.
-
Reports & Toolkits
County Economic Trends
County Economies Grew by 5.9 Percent Between 2020 and 2021 Percent change in county GDP between 2020 and 2021. -
County News
NACo's new report shows how counties are investing ARPA dollars
In the two years since ARPA's historic passage, counties continue to make transformational investments, spur recovery efforts and bolster the economy through our Recovery Fund allocations. -
Webinar
BRECC National Network: Shaping your Coal Community’s Approach to Economic Diversification
Mar. 23, 2023 , 3:00 pm – 4:00 pmUnable to attend? Watch the recording here. -
Blog
Webinar Recap: County Strategies to Recruit and Retain a Strong Behavioral Health Workforce
For county governments, a strong and fully staffed behavioral health workforce is key to supporting people living with behavioral health conditions. Like other sectors, county governments are experiencing a shortage in local behavioral health workforce. -
Blog
Applications open for EDA’s FY 2023 Public Works and Economic Adjustment Assistance programs
On March 15, the Economic Development Administration (EDA) published a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for its -
Reports & Toolkits
Strengthening Local Economies through the Recovery Fund: Executive Summary
NACo's report examines how counties are leveraging American Rescue Plan resources to support communities and rebuild the economy, even as the pandemic continues to affect jobs, public health, housing, and more.
-
Basic page
Economic Mobility Leadership Network
The Economic Mobility Leadership Network (EMLN) is a NACo cohort of county leaders that facilitates and incubates county-specific discussion and problem-solving on issues of economic mobility and helps county leaders identify and assess their current barriers to mobility and share scalable and transferable programs across the country.pagepagepage<p>Economic mobility refers to changes in an individual’s economic status over a lifetime and across generations—usually measured in income.
-
Basic page
Community, Economic & Workforce Development Steering Committee
Responsible for all matters pertaining to housing, community and economic development, public works, and workforce development including the creation of affordable housing and housing options for different populations, residential, commercial, and industrial development, and building and housing codes. Policy Platform & Resolutions 2022-2023 2022 NACo Legislative Prioritiespagepagepage<p>Responsible for all matters pertaining to housing, community and economic development, public works, and workforce development including the creation of affordable housing and housing options for different populations, residential,
Related News
-
BlogWebinar Recap: County Strategies to Recruit and Retain a Strong Behavioral Health WorkforceMar. 21, 2023
-
BlogApplications open for EDA’s FY 2023 Public Works and Economic Adjustment Assistance programsMar. 17, 2023
-
BlogDOL announces $48 million in grants to provide job training services to incarcerated individualsMar. 15, 2023
Related Resources
-
Reports & ToolkitsCounty Economic TrendsMar. 30, 2023
-
Policy BriefRestore Funding for HUD's Home Investment Partnerships (HOME) ProgramFeb. 1, 2023
-
Policy BriefU.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA): Support Essential Seed Capital/Gap Financing for Local Job CreationFeb. 1, 2023
Related Resources
-
Blog
Webinar Recap: County Strategies to Recruit and Retain a Strong Behavioral Health Workforce
For county governments, a strong and fully staffed behavioral health workforce is key to supporting people living with behavioral health conditions. Like other sectors, county governments are experiencing a shortage in local behavioral health workforce. -
Blog
Applications open for EDA’s FY 2023 Public Works and Economic Adjustment Assistance programs
On March 15, the Economic Development Administration (EDA) published a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for its -
Blog
DOL announces $48 million in grants to provide job training services to incarcerated individuals
On March 1, the U.S.
-
Reports & Toolkits
County Economic Trends
County Economies Grew by 5.9 Percent Between 2020 and 2021 Percent change in county GDP between 2020 and 2021. -
Policy Brief
Support Local Development and Infrastructure Projects: The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program
Urge your members of Congress to fund the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program at no less than $4.2 billion in FY 2024. CDBG, funded through the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (T-HUD) appropriations bill, has been drastically reduced since FY 2010, having been cut by over half a billion dollars. -
Policy Brief
Restore Funding for HUD's Home Investment Partnerships (HOME) Program
Urge your Members of Congress to restore funding for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) HOME Investment Partnerships (HOME) program to at least $2.1 billion as Congress begins to consider funding for FY 2024. The HOME program, funded through the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (T-HUD) appropriations bill, was cut by 50 percent between FY 2010 and FY 2016. Although the HOME program has received annual increases or level funding since 2016, funding levels remain short of the $1.8 billion FY 2010 level.
Upcoming Events
-
5Apr2023Webinar
County Leaders Championing Justice Efforts in Local Communities
Apr. 5, 2023 , 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm -
6Apr2023Webinar
Reducing Jail Populations: Lowering Recidivism through Jail- and Community-Based Treatment and Services
Apr. 6, 2023 , 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm -
11Apr2023
More From
-
ARPA Impact Report: An Analysis of How Counties are Addressing National Issues With Local Investments
With American Rescue Plan funds, counties are strengthening America’s workforce, addressing the nation’s behavioral health crisis, expanding broadband access, improving housing affordability and building prosperous communities for the next generation.
Learn More