JUDGE: County Business Grants a big success
All of us have suffered through the pandemic with a host of issues, from health to work. But our local businesses have suffered as well. No one could have foreseen the negative economic impacts the pandemic would bring, especially for our local businesses.
To help offset this negative economic impact, your Milam County Commissioners Court obtained a federal grant and voted to use a portion of the grant to provide a $1 million “Small Business Grant” program for our Milam County businesses. The program has been a huge success!
The program went into effect on July 26, 2021, and the plan was simple. Milam County businesses that could substantiate a loss of revenue comparing earnings from a designated period in 2019 to the same period in 2020, were entitled to receive up to $10,000 in the form of a Milam County grant. The program requirements and necessary application forms were posted on the Milam County website and the program was underway.
The court established a review committee, which carefully scrutinized each application to ensure that the program requirements were met. The committee consisted of Dr. Curtis Chubb, former Milam County Clerk, Barbara Vansa and businessman, Collier Perry. These individuals did a great job of individually reviewing each application. We thank them profusely for their dedication and professionalism.
The program recently concluded, on Tuesday, Nov. 16, 2021, after all of the $1 million in appropriated grant funding was expended. Over 120 Milam County businesses were approved by the committee and each received benefits for varying amounts by the committee. Most benefited by receiving the full amount of $10,000 but depending on the amount of the loss, some received less. Some used the money to improve their services or buy new equipment and some simply replenished some of their losses.
Remember, we all need to support our local businesses. We have just about any needed good or service right here in Milam County, so shop local next time. Shopping local supports those fine businesses, which are run by our friends and associates that contribute so much, right here in the County.
The Business Grant program was a huge success and has been well received by the entire Community. Not only did the money help the affected businesses, but it also put most of the $1 million back into our local economy. It is a great example of how our County Government has responsibly come to the aid of our local businesses and our entire community!