Toccoa offering Bridge-the-Gap funding for local businesses in need

Toccoa is offering Bridge-the-Gap funding to local businesses in the Main Street District.

The Toccoa City Commission approved a motion reallocating the funds in the Façade Grant Program to a Bridge-The-Gap Grant Program during its regular scheduled meeting on Monday.

According to City Manager Billy Morse, the Façade Grant Program had $6,700 remaining in its fund balance; all of which have been reallocated to the new program.

Morse says those funds could provide funding to 27 businesses.

He says eligible businesses would include for-profit consumer-facing small retail businesses within the Main Street District, such as restaurants, retail storefront, salons, travel agencies, and more. Ineligible businesses would include non-profits, franchise, auto and auto body repair or sales shops, gas stations, banks, home-based businesses, government entities, or businesses less than 1 year in operation.

Morse says grant funding could be used only for the purpose of paying mortgage payments, rent, or utilities, including water, gas, electricity, or internet. The purpose of this grant would be to help “bridge the gap” as the Shelter-in-Place order is lifted and business returns to normal in this unprecedented time.

For questions regarding the recent action of the Toccoa City Commission contact City Staff by calling 706-886-8451.