Greensburg, IN - The Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs (OCRA) announced yesterday that the City of Greensburg was awarded a $250,000 grant through Indiana's new COVID-19 Response Program.

In March, Governor Eric Holcomb issued Executive Order 20-05 that allowed OCRA to redirect Community Development Block Grant funds to assist with COVID-19 needs, based on guidance from the United States. The COVID-19 Response Program received 108 Letters of Need, totaling an estimated $23 million in requests.

"When we were alerted that OCRA was shifting priority to helping businesses, I knew that Greensburg needed to apply for as much funding as possible,' said Mayor Joshua Marsh. "Our small businesses continue to struggle and I am hopeful that we can provide some relief in this time of need. As the State continues to mandate closures, the Decatur County Commissioners and I continue to be in contact about ways we can help both residents and businesses.

'This award is just one of the ways that my team and I are advocating for our community daily," continued Mayor Marsh. "There are great organizations throughout our community that have stepped up, and now we can add this to our COVID-19 response toolkit. I am glad to be a part of the team and bring some economic stimulus money to Greensburg. I wish to thank Governor Eric Holcomb, Lieutenant Governor Suzanne Crouch and OCRA Director Jodi Goldman for their support of Greensburg in our time of need."

The $250,000 grant will provide loans to local small business owners who are Low-to-Moderate Income (LMI) or to retain LMI jobs. The funds will be processed through the Greensburg Decatur County Economic Development Corporation revolving loan program.

“The EDC is proud to work with the City of Greensburg and OCRA to facilitate the revolving loan fund, and to help our local businesses weather these tough times," said Greensburg Decatur County EDC Director Bryan Robbins. "It’s was a great combination of having the infrastructure in place and acting quickly that allowed the City to capitalize on an opportunity, and it’s some good news that our community’s been needing. There’s plenty of more work to be done, but its nice to get a win.”

“The Greensburg/Decatur County Chamber of Commerce applauds the rapid action taken by not only our local leaders, but the State of Indiana as well,” Executive Director Jeff Emsweller said. “This is welcome news to many of our businesses who in more ways than one make our community unique. Over the last month, the Chamber has spoken with many of them and we know the need is real and becomes more critical as time marches on. While this is a start, we know we have a long way to go and we know big efforts are underway locally to restore our community. The Chamber encourages everyone to do your part by supporting and buying from local businesses.”

"COVID-19 has had a huge impact on our small businesses and how they operate," said Susan Burkhart, Executive Director of Main Street Greensburg. "This revolving loan will help alleviate some of the financial struggles our Main Street has suffered, and help prepare them for the future." 

More information, requirements, details and the application process will be available as soon as OCRA, the City and EDC have the guidelines established.

For more information on OCRA and the COVID-19 Response Program, visit ocra.in.gov.

###