Scranton awards nearly $350,000 for business creation

The City of Scranton recently awarded nearly $350,000 to support the creation and expansion of small businesses as part of the city’s $68.7 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding.

In May 2022, the city council allocated $1.25 million to support creating and expanding Scranton’s small businesses.

Eligible applicants can receive up to 25 percent of eligible costs in their startup or expansion project budget of up to $100,000. The application must meet the city’s ARPA mission of giving people access to resources, rebuilding infrastructure systems, and fostering equitable wealth generation targeting residents’ needs.

Unison Workforce Technologies received $100,000 for the ongoing development of its mobile app designed to support the self-employed gig economy.

Nlyten Corp. received $100,000 for the creation of multiple full-time positions.

Downtown Deli received $77,234 for the addition of catering services and to build an accessible restroom.

Retro Café received $53,000 for the conversion of a Lackawanna County Landbank property into a new café.

Little Wild Refillery received $19,376 for the ongoing support of the sustainable goods and zero-waste shop.

In addition, the city awarded Crotti’s a $25,000 ARPA grant for small business financial recovery.

The remaining allocated ARPA funds are available on a first-come, first-served basis.