Fire relief grant funds available to businesses in downtown Brookings

BROOKINGS In response to the fire that occurred on Dec. 30, the Brookings Economic Development Corp., in partnership with Downtown Brookings, has established the Downtown Brookings Business Fire Relief Grant to provide immediate financial assistance to impacted businesses.

Following unanimous board approval at the January board meeting, BEDC has committed $25,000 in grant funding to support recovery efforts, with additional contributions anticipated as fundraising efforts continue.

The grant program is designed to assist businesses located within the Downtown Brookings business district by offering grants up to $3,000. These grants will help cover essential expenses such as insurance deductibles, inventory replacement, relocation or reopening costs, includingremediation, cleaning supplies, shelving, and office supplies, and wage replacement.

Downtown businesses affected by the recent fire are facing a variety of challenges and needs as they navigate the future of their businesses, said Matty Kerr, business development specialist at BEDC. “The Downtown Brookings Business Fire Relief Grant is a way that BEDC can live out its initiative of supporting existing businesses by contributing funds to a program that will have an immediate and meaningful impact in the recovery and rebuilding process.”

The application period for the grant will be open from Jan. 23 through May 1.

Businesses must provide proof of expenses, and grants will be awarded as reimbursements.

Approved applicants will receive funds within 30 days of expense approval.

Businesses interested in applying can submit a completed application via email to [email protected]. Applications will be reviewed by the Downtown Brookings Business Fire Relief Grant Committee, and applicants will be notified of funding decisions.

For questions regarding eligibility or covered expenses, businesses may contact Matty Kerr at Brookings Economic Development Corporation at [email protected] or by phone at 605-697-8103.

For more information about the Downtown Brookings Business Fire Relief Grant, visit www.brookingsedc.com/business and for more details about ongoing recovery efforts, visit www.downtownbrookings.com.