Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

By DAN HOWE

FRANKLIN

Rotary Club of Franklin and Downtown Franklin Association have partnered to create a business relief fund for brick-and-mortar establishments located in Franklin’s Downtown Business District. The purpose of the SOS: Sustain Our [Main] Street Relief Grant Fund, is to help sustain small businesses that have been negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Uses can include fixed costs, COVID-adaptable modifications, marketing and alternate marketing methods, and other business-related operational costs.

The SOS Grant application process opens today, April 15, and will remain open until resources are depleted. Grant funds are limited, and business owners are urged to respond quickly.

Jackie Newsome, vice president of Downtown Franklin Association, said, “We have worked diligently to populate our downtown district in recent years. The Rotary Club partnership is a shining example of community teamwork during times of crisis. Pulling together, Franklin will see our Main Street return to vitality as soon as this health crisis has passed. We are deploying many facets of DFA’s relief and recovery plan, including cash and in-kind assistance for our business owners.”

If you would like to volunteer to be part of the Virtual Volunteer Corps that is helping to bring back a strong and vibrant Main Street, send your inquiry to downtownfranklin@beldar.com with “Volunteer Main Street!” in the subject line.

“Together, the Rotary Club of Franklin, Downtown Franklin Association, and You can make Franklin great,” Newsome added.

Downtown Franklin Association is a volunteer-driven 501c3 organization who can accept donations to benefit downtown businesses. This year it is celebrating its 35th Anniversary as a certified Virginia Main Street.

To apply to the Fund: Send “SOS Application Request” to downtownfranklin@beldar.com to receive an application via email. If you have questions about the application, or would like to donate to the SOS Fund, call 562-6900.

DAN HOWE is the executive director of the Downtown Franklin Association. Contact him at 562-6900.