The Culver Town Council members took action Tuesday night to approve a resolution that creates a Small Business Grant Program for businesses in Culver.
The council members want to provide emergency relief to small businesses suffering significant economic loss due to federal and state orders surrounding the COVID-19 public health crisis. Small business owners will be able to apply for grants not to exceed $7,500 per business. The Culver Town Council members made up to $150,000 available for the grant program.
The funds for the grant program will be appropriated from the budget as allowed by the Indiana State Board of Accounts. A grant review committee will award funds as applications are processed and qualifications are met. The Culver Town Council President, Culver Redevelopment Commission President, Clerk-Treasurer and Town Manager will be the committee members.
To qualify, a small business must be in good standing in regard to taxes, licenses and code compliance and with the Indiana Secretary of State. The business must have been established and operational since the beginning of the year. Grant funds may be used for payroll and other operational costs.
Preference will be given to applicants that have demonstrated a commitment to the community, and made all reasonable efforts to keep employees employed during the recovery process. The committee will also look favorably upon plans to hire, train or assist people who lost jobs or experienced economic hardship, among other qualities.
Businesses that may not receive funding include gas stations, grocery stores, professional and health care offices, temporary online residential rentals, apartment buildings, construction businesses, and marinas.
Small businesses that operate in the Town of Culver are eligible to apply for grant funds.
The application window is from April 13 to May 15, or until all funds are exhausted, whichever comes first.
Applications can be found online at townofculver.org or call 574-842-3140.
