MCPHERSON — The City of McPherson is in the process of preparing an application to receive grant funds from the Community Development Block Grant COVID Resiliency Category (CVR).
In order to fulfill the application requirements, the City also is actively seeking qualifying businesses that have an interest in having access should it be successful in attaining these funds.
To be eligible, businesses must meet the following criteria:
- Be open on or before March 1, 2020.
- Retain between 1 and 50 employees.
- At least 51 percent of the business’ employees must meet low-to-moderate income standards.
The purpose of the program is to aid businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic that are in need of improvements and enhancements to stay competitive in today’s market and to stay resilient should a future pandemic be felt.
A more specific list of eligible activities that might be eligible for consideration are as follows:
- For upgrades allowing businesses to remain open to prevent future closures due to community illnesses and health emergencies. May require a Preliminary Architecture Report depending on the scope (Any projects that include construction will need to include Davis-Bacon wage rates and potentially an environmental review).
- Technology, hardware, and software upgrades including infrastructure, devices, and applications.
- E-commerce updates including online inventory management and website enhancements.
- Professional development and training for business enhancements.
- Other updates that can be directly related to resiliency improvements.
Businesses with five or fewer employees might be eligible for funds up to $30,000 and those with six to 50 employees could receive up to $50,000 should the City’s application be successful.
Qualifying projects might include facility or technology upgrades, e-Commerce updates, professional trainings or any other updates that can be directly related to resiliency.
If your McPherson Business thinks they might qualify and you have interest you are encouraged to fill out this preliminary online application no later than noon on Aug. 4. A more complete application will be required if the City Receives the grant. If you have questions, contact City Administrator Nick Gregory at 620-245-2535 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. or email nickg@mcpcity.com.