Business Resiliency Fund

Henry County Restaurants Granted Relief from Henry County Council and Commissioners

The Henry County Council and Henry County Commissioners have generously allocated $150,000 to locally owned Henry County restaurants impacted by COVID-19. This program will provide up to $7,500 per grant to restaurants all over Henry County.

Grants will be administered by New Castle Main Street and will be awarded to applicants approved by the grant review committee. The Restaurant Resiliency Fund is subject to availability of approved, appropriated funds.

Funding for this program is limited, and therefore partial grant awards to applicants may be necessary. Grant dollars must be used by December 1, 2020. Grantees must provide receipts and invoices of funds spent within 180 days of receiving the grant. An extension can be filed in the case the grant hasn’t been fully spent.

“We are excited to be a conduit for the Council and Commissioner’s generosity” said Carrie Barrett, executive director of New Castle Main Street. “Because of quarantine, many of the restaurants we love were forced to close or change their business plans. We are hoping that this money can provide some relief.”

A poll taken by Henry County residents in May, reveals that 50% of consumers have yet to dine in local restaurants and 93% of consumers would like to see curbside options for restaurants as the recovery from the COVID-19 crisis proceeds. 

“We remain concerned that many of our restaurants are vulnerable to revenue disruption caused by the pandemic,” says Bill Upchurch, President of the Board of New Castle Main Street. “As a community, we must ensure there are funds to support those restaurants.”

Donations to the fund will help businesses, pay rent, mortgage and/or utilities and adapt services that will allow them to function during quarantine. This campaign’s strength is that it can adapt as other needs come to light. 

To donate to the Henry County Business Resiliency Fund, visit newcastlemainstreet.com  or send a check to New Castle Main Street, 227 N. Main Street, New Castle, IN 47362. New Castle Main Street is a 501c3 non-profit and all donations are tax deductible.