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Noblesville offering second round of grants to help businesses weather COVID-19

Noblesville small business.JPG
Posted at 9:10 PM, Dec 16, 2020
and last updated 2020-12-16 21:10:52-05

NOBLESVILLE — The city of Noblesville is rolling out a second round of grants to help small businesses in town that have been significantly impacted by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

The Noblesville Small Business Resilience Grant program will once again offer up to $10,000 per grant to help with unmet immediate needs. Among the covered expenses paying rent and utilities, maintaining payroll, and covering other expenses including personal protective equipment.

According to a press release from the city, businesses are eligible for up to $10,000 per grant based on the need demonstrated.

It is the second time this year the city has made such grant funds available to small businesses. Businesses that received funding in the first round are eligible for up to $5,000 in the second phase of grant funding. New businesses within their first year of operation are also eligible for up to $5,000 in grant funding.

"When we announced this program in the spring at the beginning of the pandemic, we were convinced that short-term assistance was needed to help our business community navigate the various challenges that came from shutdown orders and other public health risks and safety measures," Mayor Chris Jensen said. "We know that small businesses are a crucial part of our community and that they make vital contributions to our local economy and culture.

"We want to see them succeed here in Noblesville, and we hope that with a second round of financial assistance and support for the community and other sources, they will be able to get through this challenging time and emerge in a position where they can grow their operations and impact going forward."

The deadline to submit applications for the second round of grants is 5 p.m. January 8. Businesses can apply online.

MORE INFORMATION | Noblesville Small Business Resilience Grant

"Small businesses are essential to economic development and growth in Noblesville and we appreciate the city stepping up once again to aid our local businesses," Bob DuBois, president of the Noblesville Chamber of Commerce, said. "During the COVID-19 pandemic, we've seen a number of businesses have to temporarily close recently because of positive cases or close contacts with their employees. We commend them for making the right public health decision but know how that can negatively affect their bottom line.

"The second round of the Noblesville Small Business Resilience Grants shows how much city leadership values the owners, employees, and customers of these local businesses and will provide them with vital resources so they can continue to serve our community."

The city set aside $250,000 out of the rainy day fund to provide the grants. During the first round, the city provided 46 grants to local businesses. The grants helped to retain or revive more than 75 full-time and 100 part-time jobs.