Starting a business can be one of the most challenging but rewarding things you can do. One of the biggest challenges faced is securing funding not just for the initial startup but also for continual improvement as the business grows. In Emery County, the local business chamber aims to help owners break through this hurdle with the Business Improvement Matching Grant.
To discuss the grant and what it entails, Castle Country Radio was joined by Patsy Stoddard from the Chamber to provide an insider’s perspective on the process.
“It’s a matching grant, and this year it’s up to $15,000. So if you had a project that was a $30,000 project, then you do your project and then the Emery County Business Chamber, we would reimburse you for up to $15,000 of that project,” explained Stoddard.
She also discussed the origin of these funds,” This is grant money that comes from the Rural County Grant Program. The state of Utah each year takes all of the rural counties and they give them $200,000 to do with what they want to. And so in Emery County, part of that county grant money has been placed into this Business Improvement Grant Program, and they ask the business chamber to administer the program for the county.”
These funds can be used for various things, including but not limited to,” if they’re a restaurant, they could buy outdoor furniture. They can use the money for things like drive-up windows, facade improvements, business signage, new equipment, interior improvements to their business, any type of business expansion, any type of equipment that they might need.” As explained by Stoddard, “They can be used for just anything to help improve their business.”
As for the application process, Stoddard shared,” They can contact me at 435-749-9025. Or they can email the business chamber info@emerycountychamber.com, and then I will shoot them over an application, and they can get that filled out. The applications are due by Jan. 31 this year.”
In closing, Stoddard shared,” If we happen to have any money left over, then we’ll have a second round later in the year. So don’t give up. If you didn’t get a grant the first time, you know, we might come up with some more funds and be able to have a second round later in the year.”
The Emery County Business Improvement Matching Grant applications are currently open until Friday, Jan. 31. To get an application or for questions email info@emerycountychamber.com or contact Stoddard by phone at 435-749-9025.