Milam County to offer small business grants

Small businesses in Milam County will get some help from the county in the form of grants.

The Milam County Commissioners unanimously approved setting aside $1 million of American Rescue Plan Act funding to provide small businesses that meet certain criteria a grant of up to $10,000 during their meeting on Monday. 

The court set up a three-person committee to decide on grant awards. Committee members are Dr. Curtis Chubb, Barbara Vansa, and Collier Perry. 

“This program is intended to assist our local businesses that were hurt by the pandemic,” Milam County Judge Steve Young said. “The grant may enable small businesses to rehire and/or increase their services. It will also put $1 million back into our local economy, which helps every Milam County resident.”     

Any Milam County business with 25 or fewer employees may apply for the grant for up to $10,000 per business.  It is also available for a small business with no employees and only a sole proprietor. 

The grant is based solely on lost revenues comparing the period from March 19, 2019, through March 19, 2020, to the period of March 20, 2020, through March 20, 2021.  

Proof of revenue loss will be required, but it can be in many forms, including tax returns.  Applicants must complete an application, furnish acceptable proof and sign a sworn statement verifying the truthfulness of the application and related documents.  

Applications may be submitted beginning Aug. 1, 2021, to the Milam County Judge’s office located at 102 S. Fannin, Cameron, Texas. The application is posted on the Milam County web page at: http://www.milamcounty.net/page/milam.smallbusinessgrant