STATEHOUSE (May 7, 2021) – Legislation supporting jobs, employers and economic recovery by investing $60 million to expand the Hoosier Hospitality Small Business Restart Grant Program is now law, according to Northwest Indiana lawmakers.
"These grants will hasten our state's economic recovery, and help our small businesses and the hardworking Hoosiers they employ," said State Rep. Michael Aylesworth (R-Hebron). "Small businesses are essential to our communities, and we are ensuring they continue to play a large role in Indiana's success."
State Rep. Julie Olthoff (R-Crown Point) said many businesses across the state were negatively impacted by the pandemic, especially those in the tourism and hospitality industry, with the National Restaurant Association reporting Indiana restaurant sales dropping 37% from August 2019 to 2020. With this new law, eligible small businesses could receive grants to cover a portion of business and payroll-related expenses.
"Due to the nature of the pandemic, certain industries were hit harder than others," Olthoff said. "The Hoosier Hospitality Small Business Restart program is tailored to help many businesses here and across the state recover some of their losses and get back on track."
Eligible recipients include those whose revenue is $10 million a year or less, and with fewer than 100 employees as of Dec. 31, 2019. They must show average monthly gross revenue loss of at least 30%. Grants will not be more than $50,000 to any individual business. State Rep. Jim Pressel (R-Rolling Prairie) said eligible small businesses may apply until Dec. 31, 2021, but are encouraged to apply and submit expenses for reimbursement as soon as possible, as grants will be issued in the order they are received until funding is exhausted.
"With an unemployment rate at 3.9%, which is the lowest in the Midwest, our economy is certainly showing signs of rebounding," Pressel said. "Small businesses are key to a strong economy and additional funding support for these key employers will continue moving our state in the right direction."
State Rep. Hal Slager (R-Schererville) said this grant program is an extension of the already existing Small Business Restart Program and continues to be administered by the Indiana Economic Development Corp. Originally, the program was started with federal COVID-19 relief dollars.
"Thanks to a strong financial standing, Indiana is in a position to extend this proven grant program," Slager said. "If a small business is in need of help, I highly recommend applying because it can make a huge difference in recovering losses and getting services fully back up and running."
House Enrolled Act 1004, supported by all Northwest Indiana lawmakers, is in effect. For more information about the grant program, visit backontrack.in.gov.
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State Rep. Michael Aylesworth (R-Hebron) represents House District 11,
which includes portions of Lake and Porter counties.
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State Rep. Julie Olthoff (R-Crown Point) represents House District 19,
which includes a portion of Lake and Porter counties.
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State Rep. Jim Pressel (R-Rolling Prairie) represents House District 20,
which includes portions of LaPorte and Starke counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. Hal Slager (R-Schererville) represents House District 15,
which includes portions of Lake County.
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