The state is providing more than $10 million in assistance to help communities and businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The office of Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch and the Indiana Office of Community & Rural Affairs announced 42 communities will receive a share of more than $10.09 million in federal grants through the COVID-19 Response Program, which is funded by Indiana’s CARES Act allocation.
“Small businesses are the backbone of our Hoosier economy and they have made considerable sacrifices during the COVID-19 crisis.” Crouch said. “This funding will help Hoosier small businesses continue to recover and will help make investments necessary to create safer spaces for their customers and staff.”
The state announced an earlier round of funding April 30, which provided $10.7 million in assistance.
“Many of the business owners face already-slim margins, which make these grants even more essential for their survival,” said Matt Crouch, interim executive director of OCRA.
Eligible program applicants could apply for up to $250,000 to be used for grants or loans to businesses to retain low-to-moderate income (LMI) jobs.
Northwest Indiana funding recipients include:
Grants to businesses to retain jobs:
- La Porte County awarded $250,000 to fund the La Porte County Action Fund, provide working capital, and payroll assistance grants to businesses for retaining LMI jobs. La Porte County also was among the first round recipients.
- Marshall County awarded $250,000 to create the Marshall County Crossroads Loan Program. The countywide micro-loan program will provide funds to businesses or for employees of businesses that fit into the size standard of less than $1 million in gross annual sales and less than 20 LMI employees.
- Pulaski County awarded $250,000 and will provide grants, not to exceed $10,000, to assist small businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Loans to businesses to retain jobs:
- The Town of North Judson awarded $250,000 to start a revolving loan program for businesses to retain jobs and continue operating.
The complete list of the latest funding recipients is available on the Indiana Office of Community & Rural Affairs website.
