ROCKINGHAM – Small businesses in Richmond County can now apply for micro-grants of up to $ 2,500 to recover or “pivot” from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Funding comes from a $ 25,000 grant awarded to United Way of Richmond County by the Duke Energy Foundation last month.
“A pivot can be adding improved service or trading opportunities for the company to adapt to the effects of the crisis, such as funding guidelines. “Some editions may include furniture for extended al fresco dining, materials for building takeaway windows, accessibility compliance for additional outdoor seating, additional furnishings required for public health compliance, and building E. -Commerce platforms as well as other devices or tools include needed for creative customization and panning by business. “
Small business support rewards can also be used for storefront beautification projects, but COVID-19 recovery projects are a priority.
Payroll, ancillary costs and rent are excluded.
To be eligible, applicants must own or operate a legal business in Richmond County, have fewer than 50 employees, and fail to comply with state building codes. Domestic companies are not eligible.
UWRC established the Richmond County Duke Energy Hometown Revitalization Committee to implement the program. The committee consists of:
- Michelle Parrish – United Way of Richmond County
- Emily Tucker / Jonathon Lewis – Richmond County Chamber of Commerce
- Butch Farrah – Richmond Community College
- Katrina Chance – Richmond County Partnership for Children
- Martie Butler – Richmond County Government
- Antonio Blue – Dobbin Heights
- Mechelle Preslar – Hamlet Museum
Applications are due on Monday, December 1st and will be approved by the committee by December 10th. Recipients will be notified by January 15, 2022.
Grant recipients must submit a request for reimbursement after the work is completed – copies of receipts and invoices, including a description of the impact / changes resulting from the grant.
“Refund checks are sent to recipients within the month of verification of the work done,” the policy states. “Before the funds are repaid, two members of the committee will visit each funded site to review and confirm that the reported changes have been completed.”
Applications are available on the Richmond County Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Richmond County websites:
- richmondcountychamber.com
- unitedwayrichmondnc.net
For more information, contact UWRC Executive Director Michelle Parrish at 910-997-2173 or This email address is being protected from spam bots! You need JavaScript enabled to view it..