New Castle Main Street has opened a winter round of grant funding to provide direct financial assistance for Henry County small businesses and organizations.
Carrie Barrett, New Castle Main Street Executive Director, said the goal is to help these entities make e-Commerce investments.
She said Henry County businesses and organizations will face new challenges as the pandemic and cold weather converge. This grant will help them adapt to the challenges presented by COVID-19.
“Our small businesses and organizations need to adapt to be able to serve customers in new ways. They need to upgrade their online ordering systems for curbside pickup and e-Commerce for shopping,” Barrett said. “New Castle Main Street and the County Council helped many Henry County small businesses withstand the early days of the pandemic, and I am pleased we are able to offer more support.”
Henry County small businesses with 30 employees and under or Henry County organizations that impact tourism or quality of life (as defined by the Henry County Tourism Report – 2019) are eligible for grants of up to $3,000.
Grant recipients can use the funds to purchase outdoor equipment such as tents, awnings, enclosures or heaters. Qualifying purchases can include technology systems for online ordering and e-commerce. Expenditures can also be made on HVAC upgrades and sanitizing supplies or equipment or even marketing and advertising to promote takeout and online options.
In addition to helping small businesses operate more safely during the pandemic, Barrett said Main Street wants to build consumer confidence and make it easier for people to access and purchase local products and services.
Details on the program and applications can be found online at newcastledowntown.com and are open for submission. Questions or comments can be sent to Carrie Barrett at newcastle minastreet@gmail.com.
To donate to the e-Commerce and Adaptation Grant Fund, visit newcastledown town.com or send a check to New Castle Main Street, 227 N. Main Street, New Castle, IN 47362. New Castle Main Street is a 501(c)3 non-profit and all donations are tax deductible.
– Story provided by New Castle Main Street and appeared in The Courier-Times on December 8, 2020. Read more local stories at www.TheCourierTimes.com.