In partnership with the Peoria Chamber of Commerce, the Small Business Development Council (SBDC), and ASU-Peoria Forward, the City of Peoria has launched a Small Business Task Force to provide immediate outreach and support to Peoria businesses impacted by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

“Our incredible partnerships with ASU, SBDC, and the Peoria Chamber of Commerce are serving as important emergency conduits for our business community right now,” said Mayor Cathy Carlat. “In times of emergency, it’s important to know who you can count on, and we are not disappointed with the company we keep! Our economic partners did not hesitate to jump in with hand and heart to assist Peoria’s local business community as they strive to weather this difficult time.”

To help restaurants promote their services to Peoria residents, the Peoria Economic Development Services Department is providing a free 4’ x 4’ banner to any restaurant that would like to participate in the banner program. There are two banner options restaurants can choose to display outside of their business based on their service availability: one sign that says “pick-up available” or another sign that says “delivery and pick-up available.” These banners will be delivered to the businesses. The banner program concept and material were provided by the city of Peoria. This grassroots effort is an opportunity for the community to come together and support local business owners during their time of need.

Additionally, the city of Peoria has updated the www.peoriaaz.gov/covid19 webpage to include business resources for those that may need assistance, a list of restaurants in Peoria and their service availability, and a graphic of those restaurants that has been shared on the city’s social media pages with the hashtag #inittogether. If a business owner would like to request a banner and be included on the webpage and graphic, they can sign up at https://forms.gle/zK9pUZsbzhbT8UzR8.

Also, in an effort to provide the West Valley community with the most current resources and information, the West Valley Chambers of Commerce Alliance is surveying businesses to see how the COVID-19 outbreak has affected them. Take the survey at www.surveymonkey.com/r/JWZZDTZ.