GRANT OPPORTUNITY
A new grant is available and this time it is for business owners!
The Kansas Department of Commerce has announced a CDBG-COVID Resiliency (CDBG-CVR) grant to help small businesses modernize and prepare for future health emergencies. Grants are up to $30,000-$50,000 per business, depending on the size of the business and no matching funds are required.
The maximum grant award per community application is $150,000.
To be eligible the business must be a for-profit organization; was opened before March 1, 2020; and at least 51% of their employees must be considered low- or moderate-income qualified.
The grants are available for upgrades to facilities to remain open and prevent future closures due to community illnesses and public health emergencies; technology, hardware and software upgrades; e-commerce updates; professional development and training and other updates that can be directly related to resiliency improvements.
The LCEDF has developed a survey to determine interest in the program and if a local application can be put together that will be competitive on a statewide basis.
Contact LCEDF for the survey. The survey responses are due by June 29, 2023.
Internet Upgrades?
If you would like Lincoln County to have a chance at better internet, there is an internet speed test you can take, created by the KS Office of Broadband Development. Funding for broadband will soon be available but the county must demonstrate where service is inadequate or unavailable for a chance at that funding.
Take the test at home, work or anywhere you use the internet. Even if your service seems adequate, take the test. According to the FCC, the definition of broadband internet is a minimum of 25 Mbps download and 3 Mbps upload speeds. While your service may have met the definition a few years ago, it may not at this time. Broadband provides high speed internet access via multiple types of technologies including fiber optics, wireless, cable, DSL and satellite.
Board Vacancy
The LCEDF has a vacancy on its seven-member Board of Trustees representing District #3. This is a volunteer, non-profit board meeting monthly, usually the second Wednesday of the month at 9:30am in the county courthouse. To be eligible to serve on the board, the candidate must be a registered voter with the Lincoln County Clerk and must reside in District #3. Ideal candidates will be involved in the business community. He/she will also be forward-thinking, positive, and willing to discuss new approaches to old and complicated issues.
The Lincoln County Economic Development Founda tion (LCEDF) is a non-profit organization whose mis- sion is to enhance the economic and lifestyle opportunities for all county residents and businesses. The LCEDF assists individuals looking to grow their business or take advantage of business opportunities and also administers several assistance programs such as a low-interest loan program and a grant program. The LCEDF collaborates with local governments, community organizations, and volunteers on important issues such as improving housing opportunities, developing travel and tourism into the county, and attracting and retaining youth to the county.
Board of Trustees
The LCEDF is managed by a Board of Trustees. Meetings of the board are open to the public so residents and stakeholders have an opportunity to learn about ongoing economic development efforts and provide input on discussions. The Board of Trustees represents townships/ districts from across the county. The current board consists of Craig Stertz (Vice President) and Wendell Suelter representing District 1; Tim Meier (President) representing District 2; Barb Rathbun (Secretary) representing District 2; Tara Kubick representing District 3; and Julie Flores, member at-large. The vacancy is in District 3.
If you are interested in serving on this volunteer board, please contact Kelly Gourley, LCEDF Director, at 785-5248954 or email LcedfDirector@Outlook. com. A list of candidates will be presented to the LCEDF Board at an upcoming meeting for a formal appointment of one of the candidates.
