Trahan, Nicholson Meet Gardner Small Business Owners Who Received American Rescue Plan Funding

LOWELL, MA – Today, Congresswoman Lori Trahan (MA-03), Mayor Mike Nicholson, and City Council President Elizabeth Kazinskas toured Gardner small businesses that have received federal funding through the City’s small business programs supported by federal American Rescue Plan funding.

“When I met with Gardner small business owners today, I was reminded why we worked so hard to pass the American Rescue Plan two years ago. Small businesses are the foundation of our local economy, and that’s why we needed this whole-of-government approach to support their recovery from the pandemic,” said Congresswoman Trahan. “I’m grateful to Mayor Nicholson and Council President Kazinskas for their partnership in delivering these federal funds to local businesses that in turn have put this investment to use in such inspiring ways.”

“Congresswoman Trahan has always been a great partner to Gardner.  Gardner is seeing a level of economic growth and attention that we haven’t seen in decades and that’s directly because of the investments we’ve been able to make with federal funding, like we received in the American Rescue Plan,” said Mayor Nicholson. “With 33 businesses opening in 2022, 7 so far in 2023, 22 buildings in the Downtown attaining new owners in the last two years, and many of our existing businesses updating and refurbishing their exteriors, I was very proud to show her firsthand the tangible ways our downtown has grown and improved in the last few years. We are very lucky to have such a hands-on partner with Lori Trahan representing us down in Washington, along with our full team with our state delegation and City Councilors.”

“ARPA funding has been put to good use by our city and small businesses,” said Council President Kazinskas. “It was great to share the results of this investment with Rep. Trahan today, and to have her back in Gardner for another visit.”

Trahan voted for the American Rescue Plan in March of 2021. The City of Gardner received over $6 million in federal funding through the package. Last year, Mayor Nicholson announced that the City would use $400,000 for its small business grant program and $1.1 million for its small business sign and facade loan program.

During today’s tour, Trahan, Nicholson, and Kazinskas stopped at small businesses in Gardner that had benefited from these programs, including John's Sport Shop, The Velvet Goose, Candor Realty, Priscilla Candy Shop, Nails 2000, and Empire Management.