GREAT FALLS — As Montanans continue working to recover from the economic situation brought on by the COVID pandemic, financial relief is still available for businesses that have been affected.
The Montana Business Adaptability Grant Program offers reimbursement for all types of Coronavirus-related expenses, such as protective equipment and resources designed to keep staff and customers safe, such as masks, hand sanitizer, and protective shields. It can also include things such as to-go bags and boxes for restaurants and even patio furniture for outdoor seating.
RPP Fitness in Great Falls was able to apply for the grant and use it for equipment to ensure clients could maintain social distance while exercising, as well as a new floor sanitizer.
Kate McKamey, the owner of RPP Fitness, says applying for the grant was something that helped her gym tremendously during this difficult time: “It would’ve been a struggle to get everything that the health department was requiring and stay open. We did have a lot of membership that we lost just because people were afraid and they wanted to stay.”
Businesses may apply for up to $10,000 in reimbursement for COVID-related expenses. Between June 1st and July 26th, Montana businesses were given the opportunity to apply for another grant program that reimbursed Covid-related expenses up to only $5,000. The businesses who applied for the first grant can also apply for this grant program to receive additional funds that together with the first grant, total up to $10,000.
The Montana Small Business Development Center says the additional help businesses have received from their community has supported them greatly.
“Actually, I’ve been really impressed by our Great Falls and Golden Triangle Businesses, at how well they’ve supported each other, how well they’ve adapted to this and how well they’ve kinda worked through and pivoted when they needed to,” said Nathan Reiff, a Small Business Development Coach.
Business owners should also hold onto all receipts and invoices for items purchased as Covid-related expenses, as they will need them to apply for the grant.
The deadline to apply for the Montana Business Adaptability Grant Program is Sunday, November 15th. Click here for more information.
