Tailgaters in downtown Hope became the first recipient of a small business grant from The Arkansas Fund on Tuesday.

The Arkansas Fund is a nonprofit organization that offers assistance to small businesses that have been affected by Covid-19. The fund was created by Jake Bequette, a former Arkansas Razorback and Patriots football player.

On Sunday evening, Sharon and John Caldwell, owners of Tailgaters filled out the nomination form and sent it in. On Monday they quickly received a response from Ryan Jones stating that they had looked over their nomination application and wanted to come to Hope to meet with them.

Jones and Bequette braved the winter weather conditions traveling from Little Rock to Hope on Tuesday, February 16 to present the local business with the very first check out of The Arkansas Fund.

"I felt that a blessing had happened and I was just so thankful someone out there was wanting to help our small businesses. These two guys were so personable, super nice to meet and they spent some time with us. They really care for small business in Arkansas," Sharon Caldwell said.

She went on to say, "All of us at Tailgaters are beyond blessed for this help and we encourage other small businesses to go to the site “The Arkansas Fund” and apply or if anyone is wanting to donate to help with this they have an option for that as well. We have been here nearly 10 years and no way could we ever thank our employees and customers for all the support and dedication that we have received. We plan to be here to continue to support our community. Thanks to the folks from the Arkansas Fund."

If you are a small business in Arkansas that needs assistance or if you would like to donate to the Arkansas Fund, click HERE.