COVID-19 RESOURCES

City of Norton CDBG -RLF monies are now available to support the working capital needs of existing small businesses within the City of Norton for Economic Relief.  

Qualifying businesses must meet the Low-to-Moderate Income requirements, with at least 51% of the business’s employees being low-to-moderate income employees. If awarded, owner must submit on a monthly basis all receipts or other proof of payment for all working capital expenditures, until disbursement of the entire grant awarded is documented.  (LMI income limits based on household size are shown on the Job Certification Form, Column C)

Sole proprietors, self-employed or independent contractors with no paid employees can apply for up to a one-time $5,000 grant. Businesses with more than one LMI qualified full-time staff can apply for up to a one-time $10,000 grant. Amount of grant awarded will be contingent upon the number of applications received.

To apply, businesses must complete the application form, submit a letter describing their negative economic impact, and complete a Job Certification Form for all employees.

Application forms are available at the Norton City Office, or at www.DiscoverNorton.com under the COVID-19 Resources link.  Submit application to Norton City Clerk at ntclerk@ruraltel.net or deliver to the City of Norton at 301 E. Washington Street. Applications can also be mailed to City of Norton, P.O. Box 160, Norton, KS 67654, or can be placed in the dropbox at the City Office.  Applications must be received by June 8^th, 2020; funds are limited and will be distributed on a case by case basis. Contact City Clerk Darla Ellis @ (785) 877-5000 with questions.  The Norton City/County Economic Development Office is also available to assist with the application process.  Contact Mike Posson at mike@nortoncountyks.gov or by phone @ (785) 874-4816.

1. Grants must be used for working capital. This is defined as staff salaries and wages, purchase of inventory, utilities, rent, insurance payments, etc. No old outstanding debts qualify. Proof of payment by copies of invoices, receipts, payroll must be supplied monthly until expenditure of entire grant amount is documented.
2. Grants are to stimulate JOB RETENTION, not new hires. State LMI Job Certification forms are required on all retained employees. (Make copies as needed.)
3. Business must:
   1. have at least one full-time equivalent (FTE) owner/employee whose family income is Low/Moderate income (LMI) for their family size, (part-time employees can be added up to full-time equivalents).
   2. have at least 51% of impacted employees qualify as LMI for their family size.
   3. submit a letter from the company/business attesting that they are either shut down or will be shut down due to COVID-19 without financial assistance.
4. Business cannot have outstanding State or County tax obligations.
5. All businesses who receive grant funding will be issued a 1099 and be required to report the grant funding.

Grant application deadline is June 8, 2020.

Emergency Response Loan Application

Job Certification Form

RLF Grant Requirement Summary

SAMPLE Application Letter

For the most comprehensive and up-to-date COVID-19 information for small business owners, independent contractors, and sole proprietors, as well as unemployment filing and insurance, please visit the KSBDC website at:   https://www.kansassbdc.net/covid19

     Content

• Paycheck Protection Program
• Economic Injury Disaster Loans and Loan Advance
• SBA Debt Relief
• SBA Express Bridge Loans
• Guidance for Businesses and Employers
• SBA Products and Resources
• Government Contracting
• Local Assistance

KANSAS TOGETHER - a website intended to be a one-stop resource for Kansas families and business owners seeking quick access to the information and tools needed to navigate and mitigate the impact of coronavirus in our state.

Norton County Community Foundation Launches Emergency Grant Funding Program In Response to COVID-19 PRESS RELEASE HERE

Kansas Department of Labor Website: https://www.dol.ks.gov/     

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Website CLICK HERE for Resources for Business & Employers

Kansas Department of Commerce Business Resources-Includes Many State and Local Links  CLICK HERE for Information and Resources related to funding, incentives, and loans.

HIRE Hospitality Industry Relief Fund – PLEASE NOTE: The $5 Million allocated to this program has already been awarded, based on first come first serve basis. They took 1300 applications within 48 hours, and awarded funds to 345 applicants.  HOWEVER, it is highly recommended that all Hospitality industry businesses in Norton County who anticipate economic impact from the COVID-19 disaster, Please do complete and submit the application form ASAP, it will place you closer to the top of the list if/when they reallocate more funds to the HIRE relief.

https://www.kansascommerce.gov/2020/03/5-million-of-hire-fund-loans-have-been-awarded-to-kansas-hospitality-businesses/

USDA & Food & Nutrition Service relief measures  CLICK HERE for Information and Resources to help rural residents and businesses.