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The American Rescue Plan Supported Economic Recovery for Businesses in Underserved Communities
Personal Story

The American Rescue Plan Supported Economic Recovery for Businesses in Underserved Communities

A Georgia small-business owner received funds from the American Rescue Plan to help her business recover from the economic impact of the pandemic.

Update, March 6, 2023:

Read Regina’s February 2023 letter to the editor in the Albany Herald: “Biden plan provides aid to small businesses”

Federal pandemic relief funds were not equitably distributed in the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. But the American Rescue Plan (ARP) reinvested in business recovery programs and prioritized small businesses, like Regina Monds’, in underserved communities.

Photo shows Regina Monds smiling at the camera wearing an orange shirt.

Regina Monds is pictured in August 2022. (Photo credit: Regina Monds)

Regina started her computer repair tech business right out of college in 2013. She steadily built her business and officially established it as Efficient Tech Solutions in 2020. But that same year, the pandemic halted Regina’s business operations as she navigated the health risks posed by the crisis. With family and community members at high risk for COVID-19, it was necessary to temporarily close her business’ doors even as she lost revenue. But when she heard about the Targeted Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) Advance and the Supplemental Targeted Advance from the American Rescue Plan, she began the application to support her business’ recovery. After receiving a total of $15,000 from the program, Regina caught up on expenses, purchased updated equipment, and created a professional website. The ARP-funded program helped her business not only survive but also thrive.

We definitely lost money during [COVID-19] just like other businesses, [but] thankfully we did not have to close the business. Since the EIDL, my business now has a professional website, business shirts, and updated equipment that wouldn't have been possible during that time without the EIDL. Regina Monds

The economic support from the ARP stabilized struggling small businesses during the aftermath of the pandemic. Many small-business owners used their funds to grow their businesses, further ensuring a more robust economic recovery.

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