After a monthslong application period, 26 businesses have been chosen to receive grants from the Business Stabilization Fund.
Mayor Helena Moreno announced the initiative in June.
It’s aimed at providing financial assistance for businesses that have been negatively impacted by the ongoing Sewerage and Water Board construction project along Decatur and St. Peter Streets.
According to a press release from the city, a total of $97,500 is to be distributed among the 26 businesses, supporting 242 jobs in total.
WDSU spoke with several grant recipients Tuesday afternoon who say they are grateful for the assistance but the damage goes far beyond a few thousand dollars.
Scott Glab manages Sidney’s Wine Cellar on Decatur. The shop is slotted for a $2500 grant. Glab says they’re grateful for the help, but that much of the financial damage these businesses have endured extends well past a few thousand dollars.
“Since it started, it’s also entered summertime which is our slow time down here, so it’s definitely gotten worse, but compared to previous years our business is down 25 to 30 percent if not more,” Glab said.
Hundreds of tourists typically pass through the Gazebo Cafe on the way to the French Market everyday, but since the construction began, owner Katerina Sutton says the French Quarter is unrecognizable.
According to Sutton, the establishment has lost longtime employees as a result of the ongoing SWB project. She says most businesses won’t feel full relief until the final construction fence falls.
“I feel like at this point, whenever it happens, we’ll be so grateful,” Sutton said.
See a full list of the businesses receiving Business Stabilization Fund grants below.
Businesses receiving $2500
- It’s All About Me of New Orleans LLC
- Le Bouchon Wine
- Blue World LLC
- Gator Country, Gator Country, LLC
- Discount T-shirt center, NCRD Enterprises, Inc.
- Sidney’s Wine Cellar, Sidneys LLC
- Everything New Orleans, New Orleans Cookery and Spices LLC
- New Orleans Gift Shop, New Orleans Gift Shop LLC
- Christmas Quarter LLC
- Deborah Shavlik Gallery Surreal
- Just Fun Socks 2500 Clothing Store
- Massage Store, JX Corporation Inc.
- Factory of Weird
Businesses receiving $5000
- Santos Bar, 1135 Saint FQ LLC
- Zhang Dynasty Asian Bistro
- Café Envie
- Toast
- Gazebo Café, Gazebo Café LLC
- Sassy Magick, Wilde LLC
- Ra Shop 12
- Southern Candymakers, Southern Candy Company of LA
- The Abbey, Abbey Bar Inc.
- Turtle Bay, BEA Inc.
- Market Café, Bon Jour Café Inc.
- Disco Warehouse
- Central Grocery
READ MORE:26 businesses awarded stabilization grants from the city
