CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — Millions of dollars are being given to businesses in our area. It's all to help grow the Coastal Bend economy and help with recovery after Hurricane Harvey.
There's $100 million up for grabs. And if small businesses want some of that money, all they need to do is have been affected by Harvey and apply.
“Our businesses here have really struggled since the hurricane and this is a one-time opportunity that is a new grant through the General Land Office to help our businesses recover,” said Deanna Spruce, public information officer for Aransas County long-term recovery.
The money is part of the "Texas Back in Business" program; its goal is to revitalize the economy and jobs in South Texas.
The program will give business owners a grant ranging from $50,000 and $250,000.
Money they can use for hiring staff, buying equipment, making repairs and much more.
“Last summer when we had just gotten open the ice cream bar was just starting it was a huge success,” said Sharon Miller, owner of Goin’ Coastal. “We would be able to hire hopefully one full-time employee and a couple part-time employees to get us through the summer.”
Miller who owns the T-shirt shop in Rockport, says receiving as much working capital as she can would even allow her business to do more for the community.
“Last year, we were able to put on an event called Summerfest, It was just a family fun event and we had nonprofits here that did things with the kiddos,” said Miller. “It would help fund some projects like that as well.”
At 2 p.m. Wednesday, the Rockport Fulton Chamber of Commerce is hosting a webinar where business owners can get more information and help filling out the grant application in person.
“There are misconceptions that it’s too much paperwork, or that I can't do it or I can't fill it out or they're embarrassed, but there is really no reason not to apply,” said Miller.