Indiana’s Online Marketplace Offers PPE Help To Small Businesses, Nonprofits
BYÂ State Reps. Wendy McNamara (R-Evansville) and Holli Sullivan (R-Evansville)
Local small businesses and nonprofits can now utilize the state’s new online marketplace to request personal protective equipment, according to State Reps. Wendy McNamara (R-Evansville) and Holli Sullivan (R-Evansville).
McNamara said as businesses resume operations, those unable to source and procure PPE on their own can go online tobackontrack.in.gov/ppemarketplace.htm to order masks, face shields, and hand sanitizer. While the first round of available PPE has been reached, small businesses can still place orders online. The marketplace anticipates being able to ship more protective gear in the coming weeks.
“Small businesses are the core of communities across Indiana,” McNamara said. “The hope is for local retailers, restaurants and other businesses to reopen while keeping Hoosiers safe and preventing the spread of the virus. For those who cannot find PPE on their own, requests can be made through this marketplace.”
Launched by the Indiana Economic Development Corp., the Small Business PPE Marketplace serves as a secondary source for ordering Hoosier-made supplies. According to Sullivan, currently there is no charge but that could change depending on multiple factors.
“Hoosiers have been working hard to slow the spread of COVID-19, and we need to remain diligent in our efforts to keep everyone healthy,” Sullivan said. “For businesses that cannot acquire PPE on their own, the state marketplace is another good resource. We must continue the fight by ensuring businesses can safely open while protecting employees and the public.”
Businesses must be registered in Indiana with the Secretary of State’s Office, employ less than 150 people, and require PPE to reopen and comply with workplace safety requirements. Examples of eligible businesses include restaurants, retail sales, personal services, and office environments.
According to the IEDC, all requests will be evaluated and fulfilled based on work environment risk profile, stock availability, and the number of outstanding requests. At times, partial or delayed fulfillment of requests may occur.
