From staffing shortages to complying with rapidly changing COVID regulations, small businesses have faced countless challenges throughout the pandemic. Now, over a year and a half later, many businesses are still struggling to stay afloat. Luckily, Lenawee Now has a new resource to help local businesses recover and build more resilience than ever before.
Lenawee Now and Hillsdale Economic Development Partnership competed for funding through the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) within the U.S. Department of Commerce. After a competitive 15-month process, we were selected to receive a $658,560 EDA CARES Act Recovery Assistance grant, matched with $164,640 in local funds allocated to retaining 445 jobs in Lenawee County and creating 70 more.
To help local businesses recover from their losses due to the pandemic, our team will assemble a team of consultants to assist with what the EDA calls “building resiliency,” which will help companies plan for future disruptions.
Any Lenawee or Hillsdale County business that has suffered under the weight of the pandemic and is seeking an opportunity for recovery can apply for this assistance through Lenawee Now. To apply, businesses must identify a particular area of their operations that could be improved with a professional consultation. Some examples include difficulties with recruiting, establishing a COVID-safe work environment, marketing changes and safe practices, customer acquisition, or supply chain management.
Once an application is accepted, our team will connect businesses with the appropriate consultant to assist in their recovery and resiliency. The EDA grant money will be used to pay for those services that will in turn help small businesses learn, adapt, and recover from the pandemic all while preparing for future challenges that may arise.
With this new grant, Lenawee Now is not only able to bring new business opportunities to the community, but also connect local businesses, create new jobs, and build a brighter future for business in Lenawee County.
For more information about applying for the EDA grant, please contact Randy Yagiela at randy@lenaweenow.org or call the Lenawee Now office at (517) 265-5141. You can also find updates on the application process by following Lenawee Now on Facebook or signing up for newsletter updates.