ROCHESTER, N.Y. — The City of Rochester is improving funding opportunities for local businesses hit hard by the pandemic, by creating a new grant and expanding an existing one.

At Craft Co. #6, the store embraces its history.

"The building was built in 1888, and it was a fire house,” owner Kathy Verzillo said.

And yes, that means decorating the fire poles for the holidays.

"We enjoy the neighborhood, we’re in the Neighborhood of the Arts. And it’s an important part of the neighborhood, I think,” Verzillo said.

And behind each of its handmade crafts is an artist.

"Some people come in here and are delighted to hear this artist is from Maine, or this artist is from New Mexico, because there’s some kind of connection for them,” Verzillo said.

Artists that Verzillo says are hurting just as much as businesses like hers in the orange zone.

"Our artists have been hit so hard with COVID because they’re not able to sell at the festivals they would have gone to,” Verzillo said.

Which is why she's beyond grateful to the City of Rochester for not only creating a $5,000 grant for businesses looking to create or improve their online businesses, but also for increasing the Business Emergency Retention Grant from $5,000 to $8,000.

"I really feel cared for. I really feel somebody out there cares for small businesses and the continuation of small businesses,” Verzillo said.

The additional money won’t be available until after the new year, but Verzillo says it will go a long way in supporting her store and the artists behind it.

"It is an experience. I often say to people we’re entertainment, and we are because it’s such a beautiful building, and we have so many beautiful things,” Verzillo said.

Business owners can apply at http://www.cityofrochester.gov/businessresources.