Earlier today, Monday, February 21, representatives from multiple small businesses in Greene County were in the commissioner’s room at the Greene County Courthouse where Commissioners President Nathan L. Abrams presented them with their award checks as the recipients of funds from Greene County’s Community Development Block Grant to help local businesses impacted by COVID-19.

Pictured above are the grant recipients who were present in the Greene County Commissioners’ meeting room to receive their respective grant check. Also shown is Greene County Economic Development Corporation Executive Director Brianne Jerrels and Commissioner Nathan L. Abrams. Courtesy photo

On April 19, 2021, the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs awarded Greene County a Community Development Block Grant, through the COVID-19 Response Program for Economic Development. Southern Indiana Development Commission (SIDC) served as grant administrator. The county used the grant for economic development administration, more specifically, to identify impacted small businesses and provide grant assistance to businesses to retain low-to-moderate income jobs. Small businesses were invited to apply for the grants and were asked to demonstrate the economic impact of COVID-19 on their businesses.

After an extended application period and review process, Greene County Commissioner President Nathan L. Abrams presented checks to the grant recipients on Monday, February 21, 2022, during a grant awards presentation in the commissioners’ room at the Greene County Courthouse. The following individuals or businesses received COVID-19 impact grants:

Cathy’s Beauty Salon
Kelly Riggleman (beautician)
Savannah Kirk (beautician)
The Beauty Bar Salon
Season’s Greetings
Wagler Event Coordinator
Layers by Lynn Salon
Marsh Properties/Park Inn
Superior Driving School, LLC
Gina’s Watering Can Flower Shop
JD’s Ribeyes
C&S Concessions, LLC
Fat Daddy’s BBQ
Bloomfield Processing, Inc.
Happy Matt’s BBQ & Catering
Dottie’s Cinnamon Rolls
Monical’s Pizza
Bradfield’s, LLC
Angel’s Cup of Heaven
Ken’s Barber Shop

Gina White from Gina’s Watering Can Flower Shop is shown receiving her grant award from Commissioner Nathan L. Abrams. Courtesy photo

The COVID-19 Response Program was created to address the immediate impacts of COVID-19 on Indiana’s rural communities. Funds were derived from the State’s annual Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) allocation. U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) provided guidance on how the funds were to be used.