Small Business Grant Program

Description

The Jefferson County Commissioners and the Office of Community and Rural Affairs (OCRA) created the Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) to help small and micro businesses remain in operation during the COVID-19 pandemic. The RLF was a quick-response loan program designed to help businesses retain low to moderate income (LMI) employees. OCRA has authorized the Commissioners to modify the RLF into a cash grant program to help business owners build resiliency in the event of another public health emergency that interrupts business operations.   

The Jefferson County Small Business Grant Program prioritizes woman-, minority-, and veteran-owned businesses located in Jefferson County. Consideration is also given to businesses with greater numbers of LMI employees, as well as businesses situated in a National Landmark Historic District.  

Key Points

• Grant amount up to $6,000
• No matching funds required. 
• Applicants must describe how they plan to use the funding to enhance their business’s resilience, with an emphasis on LMI retention, in the face of future public health emergencies.  
• Funds must be spent within one year. 
• Grant recipients must provide documentation showing where funds were spent.  
• Funds do not have to be spent in a single transaction. For example, a recipient can spend half for skills development and half for remote work capabilities.  

Eligible expenses (not all-inclusive) 

• Rent  
• Utilities  
• Payroll  
• Inventory  
• Building remote work capabilities 
• Skills development, certifications, and continuing education  
• Hiring a consultant to evaluate business operations 

Ineligible expenses (not all-inclusive) 

• Political activities of any nature 
• Payment of any type of taxes 
• Legal expenses related to litigation 
• Starting a new business 
• Personal expenses
• Pension contributions 

Eligible Businesses 

• For-profit businesses based in Jefferson County 
• Small businesses with at least one LMI employee 
• Full-time LMI = any employee earning less than $45,450/year, while working at least 1400 hours/year or 30 hours/week 
• Part-time LMI = any employee working at least 875 hours but fewer than 1400 hours/year, or an average of fewer than 30 hours/week 
• Full-time Equivalent (FTE) = two part-time employees  
• Business must be in good standing, i.e. no delinquent taxes 
• Businesses that have previously received grants or loans originating from OCRA for COVID-19 relief are not eligible for this grant. 

Submissions

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The deadline for applications is 4:00 P.M., April 28, 2025. Applications can be submitted by email to brian.amick@jeffersoncounty.in.gov. They can also be mailed or hand-delivered to the address below.  

Please mail or drop off applications to: 
Jefferson County Commissioners

Attn: Grant Program

300 E Main Street, Room 103

Madison, Indiana 47250

It is the sole responsibility of the applicant to ensure timely delivery. Late submissions will not be considered. Applications will not be accepted at any location other than the address specified above.

Questions? Contact Brian Amick at 812-274-3839 or brian.amick@jeffersoncounty.in.gov.