New grant to support rural businesses

A new $250,000 grant from Tippecanoe County could help rural small businesses keep their employees on the books.

Many business owners.

But as news 18's joe paul reports, a new grant could prop up companies around tippecanoe county.

Nat pop the dogs are out at pooch at play doggie day care on lindberg road.

But the rural small business is caring for fewer dogs than ever before.

"most people bring their dogs here when they go to work, and if they're not going to work, they don't bout it."

Owner holly mayoras has had to lay off some employees and reduce hours for others.

The federal paycheck protection program has helped keep some employees on the books.

But that money is running out.

"i was behind on my rent and my bills and everything like that because all of my money was going towards the people that needed to be paid because, you know, that's the most important part, especially in a small business, because you can't have a small business without your employees."

A new 250-thousand- dollar grant from tippecanoe county could help fill in the gaps.

The money will be used to make business loans at nine percent interest.

The loans are forgiveable after two years.

Tippecanoe county commissioner tom murtaugh says businesses outside city limits are eligible.

"everybody's struggling out there and everyday's a different hurdle that they have to overcome."

Mayoras says a new source of funding would be beneficial.

"i know i'm not the only small business that could use it because there's a lot of them that were in the same boat as me where it's like, we want to make sure we pay our employees, we made sure we paid our employees, but you can't really put a lot of money aside when you need ot make sure that people can pay their bills."

It can be a thankless job keeping the lights on.

But the dogs seem to be grateful.

Nat pop joe paul, news 18.

Lafayette and west lafayette rolled out similar relief packages for businesses.

Most of their employees must be low- to moderate- income to qualify.

The county is forming a committee to accept and review applications.

Businesses can apply online on the county website.

State senator ron alting is now the