STATEHOUSE (Feb. 4, 2021) – The Indiana House of Representatives on Tuesday advanced legislation establishing the Hoosier Hospitality Small Business Restart Grant Program, which would support Indiana's jobs and economy, according to state lawmakers representing Johnson County.
"We rely on our local businesses to provide jobs and keep our economy moving," said State Rep. Michelle Davis (R-Whiteland). "This has been a tough year, especially for our small-business owners. While many have pivoted to meet their customer and employee's needs, additional support like this grant program will go a long way in keeping their doors open."
According to the Indiana Office of Tourism Development, the tourism industry employs more than 150,000 individuals and contributes roughly $9.3 billion to Indiana's economy. A recent National Federation of Independent Business survey revealed small-business owners are worried about their business viability in 2021. Under this legislation, State Rep. Chris May (R-Bedford) said struggling businesses experiencing significant losses due to the pandemic, like those in the tourism and hospitality industries, would be eligible to receive funding.
"Our communities thrive when we have many locally owned businesses providing jobs and investing in our area," May said. "We risk taking much longer to recover economically if we don't do everything we can to help keep these businesses open."
State Rep. John Young (R-Franklin) said this grant program would be an extension of the already existing Small Business Restart Program and would continue to be administered by the Indiana Economic Development Corp. Small businesses that qualify could receive a grant to put toward a portion of business and payroll expenses. In addition to state funding, the program could also receive contributions from federal grants, donations and other sources.
"As we work to provide support, our community can continue helping area businesses by shopping local," Young said. "Johnson County has numerous small businesses that make our community feel like home, and investing in them keeps our neighbors employed and our economy growing."
House Bill 1004 can now be considered by the Indiana Senate. For more information, visit iga.in.gov.
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State Rep. Michelle Davis (R-Whiteland) represents House District 58,
which includes a portion of Johnson County.
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State Rep. Chris May (R-Bedford) represents House District 65, which includes all of
Brown County, most of Lawrence County and parts of Monroe, Jackson and Johnson counties.
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State Rep. John Young (R-Franklin) represents House District 47,
which includes portions of Johnson and Morgan counties.
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