NAMPA, Idaho — The City of Nampa is using part of its CARES Act allocation to help small businesses that are struggling to stay afloat from COVID-19.
Nampa has almost $500,000 in funds to give to small businesses throughout the city.
“We really want to try and help our businesses be able to survive and kind of get through this period of time,” City of Nampa Economic Development Director, Beth Ineck says.
Businesses that qualify can receive up to $15,000.
“They must have less than 500 employees, they have to be an Idaho business, and they can’t have received the Idaho Rebounds grant that the governor’s office promoted at the start of the summer,” Ineck says.
The money has to be used for expenses directly related to COVID-19, such as hiring extra janitorial staff or PPE costs.
“We can’t replace any revenue from lost customers or lost fundraisers if it’s a nonprofit,” Ineck says.
Owner of Disc-cover Records, Al Babbitt, says he had to let go of his only employee during the pandemic, making him in charge of running his entire shop.
“Being closed six weeks probably cost me about $4,000,” Babbitt says.
He also says if he were able to receive any amount from the small business grant program, it would be beneficial.
“For someone like me who really doesn’t want to take out loans, I’ve floated this whole thing on my own and just very cautiously trying not to dip in my savings, it would be a huge blessing. It would be very much appreciated,” Babbitt says.
The City of Nampa starts accepting applications for the grant program tomorrow, and it is a first-come, first-serve basis. To see the program guidelines and qualifying criteria, click here.
