Fort Worth, Texas – Two months after an explosion at the Sandman Signature Fort Worth Downtown Hotel, the city of Fort Worth is stepping up to aid the businesses affected by the incident. The Fort Worth Local Development Corp. recently approved $250,000 in funding for a small business disaster recovery stimulus program, offering assistance to businesses impacted by the blast. Businesses in the vicinity of the hotel can apply for grants of up to $50,000 to help cover various expenses.
To qualify for the funds, businesses must have a physical brick-and-mortar location near the Sandman Hotel, employ between one and 50 individuals, and demonstrate a reduction in employment or revenue due to the explosion. Applicants must also be City of Fort Worth utility customers, maintain good standing with city requirements, and show proof of property taxes paid. The funds can be used for costs like rent, salaries, insurance, and utilities.
Ori Fernandez, Fort Worth’s assistant director of economic development, stated that applications will be reviewed and awarded by the end of April. Businesses will be asked to provide multiple years of financial records to assess the impact of the explosion on their operations. The city aims to provide assistance based on the information provided by the businesses.
Robert Sturns, Fort Worth’s economic development director, highlighted establishments in the service sector, including Barber’s Bookstore, Thompson’s Bookstore speakeasy, and La’Creamian ice cream shop, as potential applicants for the aid. The January explosion injured 21 people and caused disruptions in the surrounding area, leading to temporary closures of some businesses.
Moreover, the cause of the explosion remains under investigation, and the hotel’s owners, Northland Properties, have not responded to inquiries about the restoration process. The Sandman Hotel, located in the historic W.T. Waggoner Building, opened in March 2023 and received incentives to bring the establishment to the city. Efforts to restore the hotel continue as the community works to recover from the aftermath of the unfortunate incident.