Businesses that haven’t already received an Okanogan County Small Business Stabilization Grant can apply now for the second round of awards through the Okanogan County Economic Alliance.
Many businesses across the county are reporting a 40% drop in revenue from last year. Some have exhausted their reserve and exist day-to-day, hoping to take in enough money to open the doors the next day, Economic Alliance Executive Director Roni Holder-Diefenbach told the county commissioners last week.
APPLY FOR A GRANT
To apply for an Okanogan County Small Business Grant, email Roni Holder-Diefenbach at rholderdiefenbach@economic-alliance.com. The deadline for submitting an application is 5 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 19.
Businesses that have depleted their reserves are reluctant to apply for a loan and take on more debt, she said. The alliance hopes the grants can help them get through the next six months, she said.
Fifty-six businesses received a total of $786,000 from several grant programs through the county and cities earlier this year, Holder-Diefenbach said.
The county commissioners provided an additional $200,000 for the second phase of these grants from funding provided through the federal CARES Act.
Although 112 businesses requested applications this spring, some didn’t have the necessary receipts, and others weren’t aware of the opportunity, Holder-Diefenbach said.
In a separate grant program, TwispWorks and the Methow Valley Long Term Recovery Organization awarded 11 more Methow Valley Small Business Emergency Grants last week, for a total of 48 recipients in four rounds. They expect to have another round of funding early next year.
Each Methow Valley grantee receives $1,500 for immediate relief (rent, utilities and other fixed business expenses) or recovery (projects to help businesses switch to new markets and become more resilient and viable).
