Vanderburgh County Awarded $250,000 COVID-19 Phase 2 Economic Development Relief Grant

 Vanderburgh County, Indiana — The Vanderburgh County Commissioners have received federal grant funding of $250,000 from the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs (OCRA) COVID-19 Phase 2 Response Program. This OCRA program is to assist businesses in retaining low-to-moderate (LMI) income jobs. The Vanderburgh County Small Business Recovery Grant Program has been created for small businesses, particularly those businesses in high risk categories: food and beverage, personal care, professional services, retail sectors and any other related small business that qualifies under the eligibility criteria. Funds can be used as working capital as they begin to reopen/resume operations, or to support remote work. No local match on behalf of the business is required and businesses are eligible even if they have received other COVID-19 relief funds.

“When ORCA relief funding became available, the Vanderburgh County Commissioners responded promptly to assist the county’s small business sectors and applied for the maximum amount of funding possible for our community. Vanderburgh County is very thankful to be awarded this funding from the Office of Community and Rural Affairs for the specific purpose of COVID-19 relief funding,” Vanderburgh County Commission President Jeff Hatfield stated. “The commissioners are always looking for tools and opportunities to make a positive impact on our community. One of the top priorities of the county is promoting local economic development. During COVID-19 this support is needed more than ever and this grant will provide some much-needed relief.” 

 Grants of up to $10,000 will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis to eligible applicants until the $250,000 funding is depleted. Grants will be distributed to qualifying businesses hardest hit by the pandemic while also assuring that all corners of Vanderburgh County are represented. Business owners will be required, through the application process, to provide documentation that they meet the grant criteria, some of which includes having 25 or fewer full-time employees and an employee base that  is 51% or greater low-to-moderate income. 

 “Our small businesses make up the heart and soul of our county. I encourage any business that meets the posted grant criteria to apply,” Commissioner Ben Shoulder said. “Vanderburgh County businesses are struggling and this grant from OCRA provides us with an opportunity to provide some relief.” 

Commissioner Cheryl Musgrave is overjoyed with securing this very important grant opportunity. “I am optimistic that our community will come out strong to support and frequent our great local small businesses as they begin to reopen and resume operations. This grant is another step in our hope for recovery.”