(BEDFORD) – Lawrence County has been named a recipient of the Office of Community and Rural Affairs (OCRA) 2020 COVID-19 response program grant aimed to support economic development.
The $250,000 grant will be used to provide Lawrence County businesses with working capital, resources required to remain operational during this downturn, and remote work support for those that are following the Governor’s stay at home order to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
The proposed project will benefit at least 51% of low-to-moderate income residents and the businesses that employ them by providing funds to help them get through this unprecedented time.
The Lawrence County commissioners have decided to form a five-member grant committee, chaired by Lawrence County Human Resources Director Brian Skillman, to review applications from local small businesses who wish to apply for economic assistance. Applicants must have at least one employee to qualify and be located in Lawrence County, excluding Mitchell.
The grant committee will establish guidelines on how to distribute funds to area businesses based on their application and the total number of employees. Initially, Lawrence County believes the system will allow $5,000 per employee and a cap of $15,000 per business. Intake documentation will be completed following HUD guidelines to ensure the program benefits at
least 51% of low-to-moderate income residents.
Businesses can apply through the following sites: https://lawrencecountygrowth.com/about-
us/covid-19-response-grant or https://bedfordchamber.com/community/covid-19-response-grant.
All applications and required documentation must be completed and submitted by 5 p.m. on Friday, June 5, 2020.
For questions regarding the program, please contact Brian Skillman via
email at bskillman@lawrencecounty.in.gov.
