The Salt Lake Chamber has announced the creation of the Mainstreet Preservation Grant through the Chamber’s Utah Job Opportunities Foundation, thanks to a $500,000 donation from WCF Insurance.
The grant funds will be used to support Utah rural and/or minority small businesses that need immediate assistance due to the COVID-19 pandemic and before federal stimulus funding is accessed. These grant funds are intended to help businesses in the short-term.
According to Salt Lake Chamber President and CEO Derek Miller, “The grant from WCF came with only one condition: help small businesses, and it will be used to provide urgent assistance before federal funding arrives. This is the spirit of giving—the spirit of innovation and leadership that elevates life in Utah. We believe that if we take care of small businesses, it will sustain all business.”
The Salt Lake Chamber through its Utah Job Opportunities Foundation will evaluate and distribute funds to applicants selected through a discretionary review of applications from rural and/or minority small businesses across the state. The Salt Lake Chamber will inform the community of the grant opportunity through local chambers of commerce across the state, as well as through rural partnership networks. Businesses may apply for the grants through their local chamber of commerce or county economic development department.
“Small businesses have always been an important part of WCF Insurance and our community,” said Peggy Larsen, the company’s senior vice president of marketing and community relations. “They are the heartbeat of our state. We care about them and their ability to weather this storm. We are happy to offer our assistance to help them in this difficult time.”
The plan is to send grants and start distributing available funds the week of April 20, 2020.
Grant Program Guidelines Below:
- Must be a Utah rural and/or minority small business (fewer than 50 employees).
- Grantees are nominated by their local Utah chamber or economic development department.
- Include completed W-9 Form.
- Grant amount is up to $5,000.
- If you have any further questions, contact supportsmallbusiness@
slchamber.com.
For more information or donate, visit: slchamber.com/mainstreet-
