There are several opportunities for businesses to get some financial help from struggles that COVID-19 have brought. The second round of Area Business Grant for Uintah County is open today for applications. To learn the guidelines and to apply visit uintahbusinessgrant.org. There is a State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) Grant for small businesses in Utah to help accelerate the growth of international sales. This grant was officially opened for application on October 5th. The grant comes from the U.S. Small Business Administration and World Trade Center Utah and businesses can go to wtcutah.com/grants/step-grant to learn more. For questions, contact STEP Grant Project Director Nicole Sherwood at nsherwood.com or at (801) 599-9185. The Small Business Quarantined Employee Grant allows employers to pay employees to quarantine or isolate for up to 14 days and then seek reimbursement. To access more information visit coronavirus.utah.gov or laborcommssion.utah.gov. There is statewide campaign that the Vernal Area Chamber of Commerce has chosen to partner with entitled “Stay Safe to Stay Open”. The initiative invites businesses to take a pledge that they will follow best practices to protect employees and customers from COVID-19. Businesses that take the pledge will receive a “seal of approval” to display in their commercial locations and be included in an online searchable database.
