A joint effort between the Newton Development Corporation (NDC), Jasper County Economic Development Corporation (JEDCO), the City of Newton, Jasper County, and the Jasper Community Foundation will assist Jasper County businesses with their rent/lease/mortgage and utility costs based on payments for the month of April 2020.
“When we first launched this program we knew we had a tight timeline for businesses to get their applications in or for business or people that wanted to make a donation,” said Frank Liebl, Executive Director of NDC. "To date 20 applications have been received and we have received over $110,000 in pledges," added Liebl. The deadline has been extended from May 18, 2020 until May 26, 2020.
Small businesses that want to apply for the grants must be independent, locally owned businesses with under 25 employees, and not received another form of assistance from the state or federal government. Companies can be for-profit or non-profit. Those ordered closed by the State of Iowa in March during the State of Emergency will receive priority.
“The goal of the Jasper Community Foundation is to assist our community through the negative economic impact of the COVID-19 disaster,” Dan Skokan, chair of the foundation said. “We are hopeful that our partnership with the County and the communities in Jasper County will help the small business community survive and experience a faster recovery. We encourage anyone with the ability to help to send their contribution to JCF at PO Box 924, Newton, IA. 50208.
Applications are available on the web sites of Jasper County, City of Newton, Newton Development Corporation, JEDCO, Jasper Community Foundation, Newton Area Chamber of Commerce, and Newton Main Street.
