City grant money popular request

More than 80 Lacey businesses have applied for monetary relief from the money provided by the City of Lacey for those impacted by the public health emergency related to Covid-19.

The city has contracted with the Economic Development Council and its Center for Business and Innovation to review those applications and award grants of $10,000 to qualifying businesses.  According to Rick Walk, the Director of Community and Economic Development, the grants will be awarded on a “First Come, First Served” basis for those who meet the qualifications.

While the city currently has $500,000 budgeted for the Small Business Grant Program, it’s anticipated that up to $500,000 additional monies may be available if the demand is there, according to Walk.

To qualify for the program, a business must have a physical presence within the city limits for at least a year, have a City of Lacey business license and have no more than 25 employees, with priority given to those with ten or fewer employees.

Grant money can be used for payment of rent or monthly loan payments, payments of essential wages, normal benefits for employees and normal operating costs.    The money cannot be used for bonuses, wages to family members unless a bona fide employee or political or charitable contributions.

Full details are available by emailing grants@thurstonedc.com.