OCRA to Make Another Round of Funding Available for Small Business Help

Indiana is targeting small businesses with the next phase of its COVID-19 Response Program. Lieutenant Governor Suzanne Crouch said Wednesday that the Office of Community and Rural Affairs has finished awarding grants for the “immediate needs” phase, but will start taking applications for the “long-term recovery” phase on Monday.

“This will allow for eligible local units of government to apply for up to $250,000 in funding,” Crouch said during state officials’ COVID-19 press conference. “These funds can be used to provide either grants or loans to businesses, so that they can continue their operations and keep employees working.” The loans or grants could be given to businesses with 100 or fewer employees, with each individual business getting between $10,000 and $25,000.

Crouch also announced Wednesday that those who’ve lost their job or had significant cuts to their work hours during the pandemic may be able to get $350 to help with their utility bill. “During this time of uncertainty, housing stability has never been more important to Hoosier families,” she said. “Our Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority received an additional $17 million from the CARES Act for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program.”

She said the $350 benefit is available to those who’ve already gotten energy assistance as well as those who haven’t applied yet. More information is available on the IHCDA website or by calling 211. Applications will be accepted through July 31.