Springfield businesses get $500,000 in coronavirus relief in new round of ‘Prime the Pump’ grants
he city announced Tuesday that it has awarded 76 more “Prime the Pump” grants, delivering a total of $500,000 to city small businesses struggling to survive shutdowns related to the coronavirus pandemic. The second round of the program brings to the total amount awarded to $750,000. The idea is to assist businesses as they survive with less revenue, and to help preserve jobs. Federal money — Community Development Block Grant funding from the Department of Housing & Urban Development — is paying for the grants. Each business must complete the contracting process to receive the money, according to a statement announcing the grants.