STATEHOUSE (Feb. 3, 2021) – The Indiana House of Representatives voted in support of legislation establishing the Hoosier Hospitality Small Business Restart Grant Program, which would support Indiana's jobs and economy, according to State Rep. Elizabeth Rowray (R-Yorktown).
"With the ongoing pandemic, many small businesses are struggling," Rowray said. "By supporting these businesses, this legislation would also help accelerate their recovery and boost our state's economy."
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 legislation Rowray supported, struggling businesses experiencing significant losses due to the pandemic, like those in the tourism and hospitality industries, would be eligible to receive funding.
She said the 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 receiving state funding, the program could also receive contributions from federal grants, donations and other sources.
House Bill 1004 heads to the Senate for further consideration. For more information, visit iga.in.gov.
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State Rep. Elizabeth Rowray (R-Yorktown) represents House District 35,
which includes portions of Delaware and Madison counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
