News Release

WABASH – Almost $200,000 in grants have been awarded to 42 Wabash County small businesses thanks to funding provided by both the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs (OCRA) and the Wabash County Commissioners.

The funds were granted to local small businesses that had been negatively impacted by COVID-19 and the resulting restrictions and would use the fund to retain low- to middle- income (LMI) wage workers.

OCRA agreed to award $160,000 to Wabash County for this purpose and an additional $40,000 was pledged by Wabash County Commissioners.

“Our Wabash County small businesses have had a tough year due to COVID-19,” Barry Eppley, Wabash County Commissioner, said. “This is an incredible opportunity to join forces with OCRA to bring some relief and financial support to these hard-working businesses. The funds that the Wabash County Commissioners contributed, in addition to those from OCRA, will be a great tool to help secure the survival and success of our Wabash County business community.”

After the application deadline, the Grant Review Committee made up of local finance professionals and representatives from across Wabash County, was convened by Grow Wabash County to evaluate the slate of applicants. After considering all of the applications submitted, the committee voted to approve 42 small businesses in Wabash County. Award amounts, ranging from $2,500 to $15,000, were determined by the business’ employee counts and the overall impact those businesses have made in the Wabash County community.

“Grow Wabash County has been on the forefront of providing financial support and business guidance to our Wabash County business owners throughout COVID-19,” Tenille Zartman, Vice President of Grow Wabash County, said. “We are grateful for the partnerships we have