Tuesday’s meeting of Allen County commissioners ranged over a number of topics, including grant opportunities for local businesses and nonprofits.
Lisse Regehr, CEO of Thrive Allen County, provided an update on various grants recently made available to local entities, as well as noted some changes to various awards.
For instance, SPARK/CARES Act monies exist for small businesses and nonprofits, including food pantries, adversely affected by COVID-19.
Those interested in pursuing these funds should contact Thrive at 620-365-8128, and Regehr said that applications should be available on Thrive’s website (and the county’s) by the end of this week.
Before applying, Regehr said small businesses and nonprofits should note the following recently obtained details:
— Applications for these awards will not be evaluated on a first-come, first-served basis, but time is still of the essence.
— “Diversity” is a factor in relation to location in the county. Committees will attempt to spread award money around the area equally.
— Up to $7,500 is available per applying entity.
— Those businesses or nonprofits that received Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) or Emergency Disaster Loan (EIDL) funds are still eligible.
— Nonprofits must compose a “final report” as part of their application, but it is not extensive.
— The SPARK funds will take the form of a reimbursement, so proper invoices or receipts must be collected and submitted.
— Funds must be spent on COVID-19 related items, but this can include anything such as working capital, website development and advertising.
Michael Burnett and Tim Thyer of Iola Fire and Rescue said that crews had now fully moved into the new EMS stations at Humboldt and Moran.
“They’re beautiful,” remarked Thyer, who also announced his forthcoming retirement on Nov. 27.
The grand opening for the station at Humboldt will be at noon, Tuesday, Sept. 8.
