The Fulton Area Development Foundation announced a new grant for small businesses in need of utility assistance Monday.
Callaway County has earmarked $300,000 in CARES Act funds for grants to cover electricity, gas, water and internet costs accrued between April 1-May 31.
Businesses can apply for up to $5,000. They must have a physical location in Callaway County to qualify.
"It is very important to the FADF that we ensure that all businesses in Callaway County who were impacted by COVID-19 and who have not already received utility assistance, can receive that assistance," Callaway Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Tamara Tateosian said.
According to a Chamber press release, business who have received funding from the Paycheck Protection Program for utilities are not encouraged to apply, as the grant could impact the PPP loan.
Applicants must complete a notarized application, submit utility bills for months of April and May 2020 that include the business name and provide a current 2020 business license.
Non-profits are also eligible for utility assistance - applications should include a current 2020 certificate of good standing with the state of Missouri.
Applications must be returned to the Chamber by 5 p.m. Sept. 30.
Business who've already received a FADF Small Business Recovery Grant and said it would be used for utility assistance do not qualify.
Hundreds of Callaway County businesses have already received recovery funds through the FADF.
"We've actually received lots of thank-you notes of appreciation for it," Tateoisan said.
The $2,000 grant program, which covers COVID-19 related business costs, was reopened Sept. 8. Businesses have until Sept. 30 to get their applications in.
"We have opened that back up - we still have some money to give to the small businesses and there's also some money for the non-profits," Tateoisan said.
Over the past week, Tateoisan says about 10 additional business have applied.
"We also realize there are other things they need assistance with and that's why we're doing this utility grant as well," Tateosian said.
Both the utility and small business recovery grants are supported by CARES Act funds distributed by Callaway County.
Questions can be directed to Tateosian at 573-220-9868 or [email protected].
The application for utility assistance can be found at https://bit.ly/2FwEiSZ. More information on both grants is available at callawaychamber.net/covid-19-resources/.