Fort Worth, Texas – Two months after the explosion at the Sandman Signature Fort Worth Downtown Hotel, surrounding businesses continue to seek assistance from the city of Fort Worth. The Fort Worth Local Development Corp. recently approved $250,000 in funding for a small business disaster recovery stimulus program, offering up to $50,000 for businesses affected by the January 8 blast.
To qualify for the funding, businesses must have a physical brick-and-mortar location near the Sandman Hotel, have 50 or fewer employees, demonstrate a decline in employment or revenue due to the explosion, be a City of Fort Worth utility customer in good standing with all city requirements, and be up to date with licensing, permits, utility payments, and property taxes.
Eligible businesses can utilize the funds for expenses such as rent/mortgage, employee salaries, insurance, or utility payments. The city plans to review and award applications by the end of April, requiring multiple years of financial records to determine the impact of the explosion on the businesses.
Ori Fernandez, Fort Worth’s assistant director of economic development, explained the process of evaluating businesses’ financials to determine appropriate funding amounts. Robert Sturns, Fort Worth’s economic development director, noted that service sector businesses like Barber’s Bookstore, Thompson’s Bookstore, and La’Creamian ice cream shop may apply for assistance.
The explosion injured 21 people and led to road closures and temporary closures for local businesses. The cause of the blast remains unknown as investigators continue their work. A commercial remodel permit filed by First Onsite Property Restoration for the hotel’s restoration indicates a job value of over $1.5 million.
Northland Properties, the owner of the Sandman Hotel, has not provided details on the hotel’s restoration process. The hotel opened in March 2023 inside the historic W.T. Waggoner Building, receiving $8 million in incentives to establish the hotel in the city.