The Greater Des Moines Partnership, Polk County and the City of Johnston have completed the review of applications for assistance from area businesses affected by the COVID-19 closures and restrictions. Eighteen Johnston businesses are expected to receive financial assistance awards of up to $5,000. The total amount being granted is $85,000.00. Businesses were required to demonstrate the adverse impact of COVID-19. Businesses which had already received support from the Iowa Economic Development Authority were not eligible to participate.
Applications for assistance were accepted until May 20, 2020, and then were reviewed by Iowa Center for Economic Success. The initiative was organized by Polk County, the Greater Des Moines Partnership and the City of Des Moines with financial support coming from area cities (including Johnston and Urbandale). The Johnston City Council had pledged up to $50,000.00 to the effort, and those funds were matched by resources from Polk County and private sector contributors. JEDCO also contributed $2,500.00 to the cause.
There were fewer applicants and awards than had been anticipated. “The good news is that almost all of the recipients qualified under the program received the maximum award amount, and that several Johnston businesses have already received support through the Iowa Economic Development Authority programs.”, said Adam Plagge, Economic Development Manager for the City of Johnston.
There was some concern that some smaller businesses were falling through the cracks. “But it seems that businesses that needed some help have received it through the combination of the federal, state and local programs. JEDCO was happy to be a contributor to the effort.”, said Phil Dunshee, Executive Director for the Johnston Economic Development Corporation.
A listing of area businesses which received assistance will soon be published. Follow us @growjohnston on Twitter and here at growjohnston.com for updated information when it becomes available.