Downtown business association begins grant program
The Downtown Moses Lake Business Association looks to aid ailing local businesses as the organization gathers funds to deliver small grants to local businesses in Moses Lake.
Casey McCarthy/Columbia Basin Herald
MOSES LAKE — It’s all about helping keep some downtown businesses going.
“We’re looking to help those businesses that haven’t gotten other grants,” said Brandon Nicholas, executive director of the Downtown Moses Lake Business Association.
On Monday, Nicholas announced that the association is soliciting money for a fund to give small grants — up to $2,500 — to help small businesses in downtown Moses Lake make it through to the other side of the COVID-19 closures.
The association has contributed $10,000 of its own money, and Nicholas said he hopes that others will contribute what they can to help.
“The more the better,” he explained. “We put in $10,000 ourselves, and we’re asking other organizations to match that. But anything they put in will help.”
According to the association, there are more than 200 businesses in and around downtown Moses Lake. He admits the grants won’t go far, but he hopes the money will be enough to help some businesses get through the pandemic closures to “the new normal.”
Anyone interested in applying for grants can visit the website downtownmoseslakegrant.com and apply either online or download the application, print it out and mail it in, Nicholas said. The deadline for applications is May 25.
However, Nicholas said he received interest in the grants last Friday, several days before he was even finished with the application website.
Nicholas said there are no strings or stipulations on the grants, meaning a business owner could use the money for anything. However, he expects most businesses that receive a grant will likely use the money to pay rent and utilities and possibly even salaries for employees handling curbside pickups.
“Whatever they feel is best,” he said.