As many Hoosier small businesses prepare to reopen their doors to the public, the state is offering a new online marketplace to help provide access to the personal protective equipment (PPE) small businesses will need to comply with safe workplace guidelines.
The Indiana Small Business PPE Marketplace leverages PPE that is being manufactured and sourced by Indiana businesses to help support supplies.
All businesses and nonprofits are encouraged to acquire PPE on their own and use the marketplace as an alternate resource.
To be eligible to use the marketplace, a business must be required to use PPE as a condition of operating in order to comply with safe workplace requirements. This includes retailers, restaurants, office settings and personal services. They must also employ fewer than 150 associates and be a business or nonprofit organization registered with the Indiana Secretary of State to do business in Indiana.
Click here to visit the marketplace. An order form for PPE can be found at the bottom of that page.
Senate District 5 Awarded COVID-19 Response Funding
Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch and the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs recently announced rural communities across the state will receive more than $10.7 million from the new COVID-19 Response Program.
In Senate District 5, the following communities will receive funding.
The town of Hebron is receiving $152,500 to create a fund to provide short-term working capital for small businesses in order to retain jobs.
The town of LaCrosse is receiving $10,000 to install four WiFi hotspots for residents to access the internet to complete e-learning activities, file unemployment claims and submit job applications.
LaPorte County is receiving $250,000 to provide grants to small business to serve as working capital for the purpose of retaining jobs within those businesses.
Starke County is receiving $75,000 to establish service through a local non-profit to deliver needed supplies to quarantined individuals or those who are medically vulnerable.
For further information on the program, click here.
Updated Guidance for Churches
Gov. Holcomb recently announced a plan to reopen Indiana in staggered phases.
As part of this announcement, effective Friday, May 8, churches will be able to have in-person services, though they are encouraged to practice social distancing.
Click here to view the updated guidance document.