|
|
For Immediate Release
June 14, 2022
June 14, 2022
BENTON COUNTY COMMISSIONERS APPROVE A ‘BUSINESS RESOURCE INITIATIVE’ (BRI): A PROGRAM AIMED AT PROVIDING COVID-AFFECTED BUSINESSES WITH CUSTOM RESOURCE GUIDANCE AND $3 MILLION IN AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN-FUNDED BUSINESS GRANTS
KENNEWICK, Wash. – The Business Resource Initiative (BRI) is a collaborative effort between Benton County and the Tri-City Regional Chamber of Commerce (TCRCC) to provide financial support for businesses adversely impacted by COVID-19. The Chamber will implement and administer the program.
BRI grants, funded by American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) dollars, will provide Benton County businesses with flexibility by offering five options for award funds utilization:
Data gathered from TCRCC’s 2021-22 Business Outlook Survey and one-on-one interviews show that these options are key to addressing the greatest needs of the Tri-Cities business community. Funds will be administered in three phases beginning in the fall of 2022. Applications for grant funding, qualifications, FAQs, and additional information will be available at bentonbri.com in the coming months.
In addition to the grants, the Initiative includes a Business Resource Navigator (a full-time TCRCC employee, also funded by ARPA dollars), providing Benton County businesses with a single point of contact “resource expert” to gather current and relevant information to include loans, grants, supplies (PPE), webinars, training, service, and programs.
The BRI Navigator will be available for appointments (via phone/in-person/virtual) to listen, assist, and work with businesses to develop customized resource guidance that will meet their specific needs and greatest challenges. Targeted outreach will include industries and businesses that serve low income/high risk populations; businesses with barriers; and businesses in underserved communities. Multi-lingual support will be provided.
BRI grants, funded by American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) dollars, will provide Benton County businesses with flexibility by offering five options for award funds utilization:
- Workforce Development
- Workforce Incentives
- Rent/Utility Assistance
- Digital Transformation
- Outdoor Space Enhancement
Data gathered from TCRCC’s 2021-22 Business Outlook Survey and one-on-one interviews show that these options are key to addressing the greatest needs of the Tri-Cities business community. Funds will be administered in three phases beginning in the fall of 2022. Applications for grant funding, qualifications, FAQs, and additional information will be available at bentonbri.com in the coming months.
In addition to the grants, the Initiative includes a Business Resource Navigator (a full-time TCRCC employee, also funded by ARPA dollars), providing Benton County businesses with a single point of contact “resource expert” to gather current and relevant information to include loans, grants, supplies (PPE), webinars, training, service, and programs.
The BRI Navigator will be available for appointments (via phone/in-person/virtual) to listen, assist, and work with businesses to develop customized resource guidance that will meet their specific needs and greatest challenges. Targeted outreach will include industries and businesses that serve low income/high risk populations; businesses with barriers; and businesses in underserved communities. Multi-lingual support will be provided.
“It is more important than ever to help local businesses move beyond the pandemic. As economic uncertainty continues, the Benton County Business Resilience Initiative provides resources and guidance to help businesses overcome hurdles and look to the future.”
Shon Small, Benton County Commission Chairman
The Tri-City Regional Chamber of Commerce is currently positioned to implement the BRI, to immediately begin addressing business resilience and growth by identifying businesses in need of assistance through a comprehensive, multi-pronged outreach approach.”
Lori Mattson, Tri-City Regional Chamber of Commerce President & CEO