GIDDINGS EDC MOVING FORWARD WITH ECONOMIC RELIEF PACKAGE; COVID-19 CALL CENTER OPENED
The Giddings Economic Development Corporation (EDC) is moving forward with economic assistance for local businesses and organizations as the COVID-19 pandemic continues.
Following approval from the Giddings City Council and legal counsel, the EDC board was approved to set up a $120,000 grant package for small businesses that have been shut down or severely impacted by COVID-19.
The first rounds of funding will pay for utilities, mortgages or leases, and equipment. If unemployment insurance does not come through in a timely manner, the EDC is authorized to provide assistance for sole proprietors and business owners whose businesses were forced to close their doors.
The EDC is also providing $30,000 in assistance for local healthcare providers to cover training for their employees and costs for personal protective equipment. Additional funds can be made available if federal or state funds are not available in a timely manner. Funds can also be used for facility modifications.
In addition, Internet service provider (ISP) ZochNet is being provided a $50,000 expansion grant to install fiber-optic Internet in underserved areas of the community. Half of the funds will be dedicated for new equipment, while the other half will be used to hire new employees.
EDC funds are only available for businesses and healthcare providers operating in the city of Giddings.
Lee County and the Cities of Giddings and Lexington have opened a call center to provide a single source of information for citizens during the COVID-19 crisis. The call center, reachable at 866-686-7873, opened this (Friday) morning and is being operated by county and city staff and officials. Calls will be answered Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., but callers can leave a message.
Callers with questions about the COVID-19 disaster declaration and executive orders should call the call center instead of directly calling the City of Giddings, the City of Lexington, or Lee County. Those with emergencies should still call 911.
The Giddings Area Chamber of Commerce has provided a list of businesses and services deemed essential, which you can read here.
The link for the U.S. Small Business Administration Economic Injury Application is now open, and can be accessed here.