Applications open for business grants

WHITMAN COUNTY—Up to $2,500 micro-grant grants for small businesses are now available through the Palouse Regional Small Business Recovery Fund. Application opened Sept. 1 and close Sept. 15.

The Palouse Region Small Business Recovery Fund provides micro-grants to existing small businesses, early stage and/or startups with 10 or fewer employees (including owners) in Whitman and Latah counties. The funds will cover limited expenses such as rent/mortgage, utilities and other operational needs. Receiving past support from local, state or federal sources does not disqualify the applicant.

Grant awards will be sent directly to vendor and utility service provider on behalf of the business.

To be eligible, businesses ust be in good standing with city, county and state and be registered with respective state and provide Tax Identification Number.

Business that sell or distribute cannabis or vaping products, or have 11 or more employees are not eligible. Businesses that have already received a micro-grant from Palouse Regional Small Business Recovery Fund can not apply either.

First distribution is set for Sept. 15, 2020. Applications will be processed on an ongoing basis; applicants who do not hear from the committee within 72 hours should contact Partnership for Economic Prosperity for confirmation of receipt. Due to limited amount of funds, if you are awarded you must respond within 72 hours with appropriate documentation. If there is a failure to respond, funds will be granted to next applicant.

The maximum award amount is $2,500.

Organizations may request a Grant rent/mortage, electricity/gas, utilities, phone, internet or other business needs.

Applications are available at pepedo.org.