Moving forward in Carbon County

With the effects of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) on local businesses, various programs have been announced on both the federal and state levels in the form of grants and loans. Recently, the Wyoming Department of Workforce Services announced Layoff Aversion Grants for Wyoming businesses but quickly saw the application limit exceeded.

On a more local level, the Carbon County Economic Development Corporation (CCEDC) is offering financial aid through micro-grants for small businesses in the county with some funding up to $2,500. 

The CCEDC has developed the “Moving Forward Together Micro-Grant Program,” which will begin taking applications on April 13 via email. According to the press release from the CCEDC, “the purpose of the program is to give financial resources to local, small businesses adversely affected by Governor Gordon’s executive orders in response to the pandemic.”

The micro-grant will be distributed to qualified applicants based on need and will be on a first-come-first-served basis. If necessary, there will be a waiting list for applicants. Qualified applicants for the grant must be located within Carbon County, have less than 50 employees and the number of employees will determine the amount of the grant.

Carbon County small businesses with no employees will be eligible for $500, those with one to three employees could receive $1,250, businesses with four to 10 employees may receive $1,750 and businesses with 11-50 employees could receive $2,500. According to CCEDC President Chris Iacovetto, the goal is to provide as much aid as possible.

“The amounts of the grants are strategic, based on our funds available and so that we can help as many businesses as possible,” said Iacovetto in the press release. “We are trying to get this launched as soon as possible and hope to be writing checks on April 17.”

According to Iacovetto, the approval process for micro-grants should only take a few minutes. If approved, businesses will also need to provide a comparison of profit and loss for March 2019 and March 2020 and proof of the number of employees held in March. The decision to go with grants instead of loans was made to provide a smoother and more streamlined process for local small businesses.

“We would anticipate that some businesses might get back on track in 24 months and, at that time, they could pay the CCEDC back. It is optional, but any returned funds could be used for other businesses,” said Bob Stipe, CCEDC president-elect, in the press release.

For detailed guidelines and the application form, Carbon County small businesses can go to http://www.micograntccedc.com starting April 8. Business owners or managers can download the form, fill it out and email it back to [email protected]. Questions may be directed to Stacy Crimmins at 307-329-7150 or you can follow Moving Forward Together on social media at https://www.facebook.com/MovingForwardTogetherCCED.