Small Business & Nonprofit Grants are available through Dodge County and CARES Act

At their meeting Aug. 25, the Dodge County commissioners approved a business & nonprofit relief program related to the Federal CARES Act Funding.

In March, the Federal CARES Act became law and made funds available to qualifying local, state, and federal agencies to help cover expenses caused by responses to the COVID 19 pandemic. Dodge County officials believe that an integral part of this relief is emergency help to small private businesses and nonprofits which were impacted monetarily by the pandemic.

The commissioners’ approval launched the Small Business & Nonprofit Relief Funds Program. Nicholas Oulette, Community and Business Development Specialist from Community and Economic Development Associates explained the plan. He will spearhead the program for the county.

The program will provide emergency assistance to those qualifying entities that were economically impacted by the pandemic. Grants of up to $10,000 will be available to small businesses and nonprofits in need of support to pay for critical expenses such as rent payments, mortgage payments, utility payments, payments to suppliers, and costs associated with reopening.

Oulette explained that guidelines and application materials are accessible through the link below. Applications for the first round of review will be accepted August 26 through October 1.  https://bit.ly/3aS0Clc