Article by: Rebecca Charles
In 2020, businesses have faced a kind of uncertainty that a majority of business owners have never faced before. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has left many small businesses ravaged and struggling to keep their doors open. Once the federal CARES Act was passed and funds were allocated to the city, the Spring Grove Economic Development Authority (EDA) and Spring Grove City Council worked to help as many businesses as possible. The Spring Grove City Council allocated $30,000 to the EDA for the purpose of providing grants to help local businesses. CEDA Team member, Rebecca Charles drafted, designed and oversaw the application process for this grant program. All applications were brought before the Spring Grove EDA for approval.
All applicants were encouraged to spend their grant dollars locally if possible to help stimulate the local economy whenever possible. “The amount of support and cooperation amongst the business community in Spring Grove has been nothing short of inspiring” says Charles.
Applicable projects included the purchase of PPE, cleaning supplies & equipment, physical alterations to businesses to meet COVID-19 mandate requirements and other items and/or services that make doing business in Spring Grove not only possible, but safer. After three rounds of applications, the Spring Grove EDA has awarded all of the $30.000 allocated for the Small Business Retention Grant program.
