Over 60 local businesses have applied for COVID-19 grant support

General Manager of Community Futures Sean Blewett says 30 applications have been approved and says there are more to come.

That’s for over $160,000 dollars worth of grant funding so far.

Blewett says the money has been used for expenses like plexiglass shields, PPE, cleaning supplies, and modifications to business space.

The money is specifically for local small businesses who are struggling right now and to help cover the costs to re-open.

“We’ve had multiple cases where businesses have actually spent much more than the $15,000. Businesses are spending $25,000 – $30,000 to get themselves ready to reopen their business. And so we’re covering up to $15,000. We’ve had many of those, but we’ve also had a lot where they’re under $1,000 with smaller expenses and everything in between.”

Blewett says the money is being released in phases, the first is $500,000.

“Part of the grant is also for businesses who want to identify a new business stream to purchase a tool and purchase some equipment, we’ve been able to grant businesses the opportunity to do that,” Blewett said.

Eligible costs for the grant have been dated back to March 1.

Blewett says Community Futures continues to review the fund with the city and get feedback from businesses.

He encourages businesses to check back on criteria changes to receive the grant.

The program is ongoing and businesses can apply until the money is dispersed.

For your business to apply, visit Community Futures Entre-Corp website.

by Chantal Wagner

Over 60 local businesses have applied for COVID-19 grant support

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