One of the city’s newest data center operators, Facebook, is stepping in to offer financial support for small businesses that have experienced disruptions due to COVID-19. The social media and technology giant created the Small Business Grants Program to offer $100 million in cash grants and ad credits to distressed small companies. Facebook, which recently opened its first New Albany data center, has two more under construction and has announced plans to build their fourth and fifth facilities here.

To qualify for the Small Business Relief Program, applicants must be for-profit companies with 2 to 50 employees; have been in business for over a year; have experienced challenges from COVID-19; and be located in Franklin County.

Facebook’s New Albany Data Center also recently invested in local nonprofits and schools to support technology advancements and improve STEM education through Community Action Grants. Area recipients included New Albany-Plain Local Schools, $24,000; C-TEC of Licking County, $81,000; Johnstown Monroe Local Schools, $30,000; The Works: Ohio Center for History, Art & Technology, $16,240; and Southwest Licking School District, $15,000. Other central Ohio recipients include Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Ohio, $10,500; Tech Corps, $26,000; and VOICEcorps reading service, $8,500.