The Advocate
Twenty-nine small businesses damaged by the August flood were awarded $147,000 in grants Monday during the fourth round of funding by the Louisiana Small Business Rebirth Fund.
To date, 142 small businesses have been awarded $761,755 in total grants. A range of businesses in East Baton Rouge, Ascension, Livingston, St. Martin and Vermilion parishes were awarded grants in the most recent round, including auto mechanics, health clinics, day cares, engineering, veterinarians, lawn care, janitorial services and real estate. The grant amounts range from $1,000 to a maximum of $10,000. To be eligible for a grant, a business must be located in a parish that was part of the federal disaster declaration, have 50 employees or less and be registered with the Louisiana Secretary of State.
The Louisiana Association of Business and Industry, the Baton Rouge Area Chamber, GNO Inc., the Louisiana chapter of the National Federation of Independent Business, the Louisiana Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives and One Acadiana teamed up for the fund.
“Six months later, the effects of the August flood are still evident across south Louisiana. We are grateful to those companies and organizations that have made it possible for us to award additional Rebirth grants and support the recovery of small businesses across the affected area,” said Stephen Waguespack, president and CEO of the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry.
The Rebirth Fund will continue to accept donations and will make a determination on additional grant awards based on available resources. Information is at LaBizRebirth.org.