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WELLINGTON – Sumner County has set aside $1.5 million from SPARK funding from the CARES Act for direct business grants. The money can be used by small business and non-profits for the purchase of items for the novel coronavirus pandemic and for other related expenses.
To qualify, a business or non-profit must show a need for funding due to revenue losses created by the impact of the pandemic. This can include lost revenue due to event cancellation, business closures or lost sales. Applicants must provide financial reports comparing 2019 and 2020.
Uses for the money can include COVID-related signage, cleaning expenses, personal protective equipment (PPE), payroll, fixed debts, accounts payable, and other legitimate bills.
Applicants must have been in operation in Sumner County on March 20, 2020; they must have a commercial business address or have three or more qualified employees; must demonstrate negative impacts from COVID-19; must still be in operation at the time of application; and must present a business plan for community or collaborative projects.
Applications will be scored with a focus on community impact, longevity of the operation, and impact due to the coronavirus. Funding will be allocated based on scoring. Awards will be made until the budget is depleted or until all applications meeting the minimum required score are funded.
Funding is expected to be released starting in mid-November. Applications are due Nov. 1.
The online application portal is located at www.gosumner.com.
