FOX 5 ATLANTA – Hundreds of small businesses received some much needed financial assistance as they try to stay afloat during the pandemic. They were awarded grants by Cobb County in partnership with SelectCobb, a Cobb Chamber initiative.
Deborah Johnson, the owner of Express Beauty Bar Atlanta, said the money helped save her business.
“I’ve been on this street 30 years doing hair,” said Johnson.
Like all salons, when the state shut down, Johnson was forced to close up shop for eight weeks. Even after she was allowed to reopen, clients were reluctant to come back.
“A lot of my clients are 50-plus, they’re afraid to leave their home,” said Johnson.
She watched as her business slowly went down the drain.
“I was actually thinking about closing. When they came up with the grant I figured I’d give it another shot,” said Johnson.
Johnson was one of 409 businesses awarded grants through SelectCobb. The Cobb County Chamber initiative partnered with Cobb County to award $7.5 million in grants to businesses impacted by the pandemic. Read more.
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