Terre Haute – The United Way of the Wabash Valley and the City of Terre Haute are excited to offer their Small Business and Nonprofit Grant Programs to the community. These funding opportunities were made possible by the City of Terre Haute’s American Rescue Plan Act or ARPA funding that was allocated to the United Way by the City. These two programs will invest over $2.2 million dollars into the community with the overall goal of creating a stronger community by investing in those operating local businesses and nonprofits serving others.
Brandon Sakbun, the Mayor of Terre Haute, explained, “The United Way and City of Terre Haute Grant Program is a tool that allows small businesses and non-profits an opportunity to apply for needed funding. These grants are possible because of funds from the American Rescue Plan Act. The program will allow the city to grow its small business community and provide needed support for Hoosiers hit hardest the past few years due to the pandemic and inflation. Programs like this one embody the true spirit of local government; an opportunity to create a rising tide that lifts all boats.”
The Small Business Grant Program was developed to provide financial support for small businesses in the City of Terre Haute with the goals of retaining existing businesses and increasing growth and revenue. The program focuses on multiple pillars of the See You In Terre Haute Community Plan, including economic development, quality of life, and talent attraction and retention. These grants are intended to help small businesses grow and increase the overall resiliency of local businesses in the City of Terre Haute. Businesses can apply for infrastructure, capital expenditures, service provider assistance, marketing, employee attraction, and workforce development. There is $1,500,000 of funding available with awards ranging from $10,000 to $100,000 per grant. Applicants will first complete a Project Qualification Survey and provide business eligibility documents. This survey is open till June 27th, and those eligible based on their survey response will be invited to complete a full application for funds with intentions of awards being distributed in December.
The Nonprofit Grant Program was developed to provide financial support to alleviate the pressure of operational supports for nonprofits and allow them to build capacity and organizational development that responds and adapts to the growing needs of our city’s most vulnerable. These grants are designed to help organizations work more efficiently and effectively and are meant to aid development at a structural level, increasing an organization’s ability to deliver on its mission over time. Nonprofits can apply for funds to support organizational planning and technical assistance, staff development and training for employee retention, capital expenditures, infrastructure, and use it as a match for other major grants that align with the capacity goals of the program. There is $750,000 of funding available with awards ranging from $10,000 to $50,000 per grant. Applicants will first complete a Project Qualification Survey and provide stewardship documentation. This survey is open until May 30th, and those eligible based on their survey response will be invited to complete a full application for funds with intentions of awards being distributed in October.
For both programs there will be a series of support meetings to help potential applicants understand project eligibility, required application documentation, and the survey and application process. The Terre Haute Chamber of Commerce and the Indiana Small Business Development Center will host 3 meetings to aid potential Small Business Grant Program applicants. They will also be able to provide technical assistance and discuss potential projects. The sessions will be held at The Hub at 900 Wabash Avenue on Wednesday April 17th at 2:00 pm, Wednesday May 1st at 8:30 am, and Thursday May 9th at 6:00 pm. The United Way will host sessions at their office at 100 South 7th Street to guide potential Nonprofit Grant Program applicants on Thursday April 18th at 9:00 am and Tuesday April 13th at 4:00 pm.
Abby Desboro, Executive Director of the United Way of the Wabash Valley, explained why the City of Terre Haute utilized United Way for these programs. “Providing and overseeing grants in the community is a pivotal part of the work of the United Way. And with this great collaborative partnership with the city, we are working to help create a stronger community by building up our network of nonprofit partners and supporting small businesses that provide vital jobs and revenue for our community.”
For more information on the grant and to apply, visit uwwv.org/sbgrant for the Small Business Grant and uwwv.org/npgrant for the Nonprofit Grant. Please reach out to the United Way office with questions at 812-235-6287.
