Small Business Grant Program Guidelines
Program Purpose
The Washington County Economic Growth Partnership (WCEGP) Small Business Grant Program is designed to support the growth and sustainability of small businesses in Washington County.
The program provides grants of up to $2,000 to assist eligible businesses with projects that improve operations, increase productivity, enhance commercial properties, expand services, or support long-term business growth.
Funding is limited and not all applications will receive funding.
Grant Amount
- Maximum grant award: $2,000
- One grant recipient may be selected each quarter, subject to available funding.
- Grants will be paid directly to approved vendors, contractors, or equipment suppliers.
- Funds will not be paid directly to the applicant.
- Applicants may only receive one grant award within a 24-month period.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must:
- Be located in Washington County, Indiana.
- Be a current WCEGP member in good standing.
- Employ 15 or fewer employees.
- Hold all required business licenses and permits.
- Be actively operating a business within Washington County.
Eligible Uses of Funds
Eligible projects may include:
- Building improvements or repairs
- Facade improvements
- Signage
- Equipment purchases
- Technology upgrades
- Website development
- Marketing initiatives
- Professional services related to business growth
- Other projects approved by WCEGP
Ineligible Uses of Funds
Grant funds may not be used for:
- Inventory purchases
- Payroll expenses
- Rent or mortgage payments
- Utilities
- Taxes or fines
- Debt repayment
- Real estate purchases
- Ongoing operating expenses
- Expenses incurred before grant approval
Application Requirements
Applicants must submit:
- Completed application form
- Description of proposed project
- Cost estimate, quote, or invoice from vendor
- Brief explanation of how the project will benefit the business
- Photos of the project site, if applicable
Review Criteria
Applications will be evaluated based on:
- Business need
- Project readiness
- Potential impact on the business
- Benefit to the local economy
- Overall quality and completeness of the application
Preference may be given to projects that:
- Create or retain jobs
- Improve commercial property appearance
- Increase business capacity
- Promote long-term business sustainability
- Enhance customer experience
Award Process
Applications will be reviewed and scored by the WCEGP board members using an established evaluation rubric.
The board may:
- Approve funding
- Approve partial funding
- Deny funding
The committee’s decision is final.
Payment Process
Upon approval:
- The applicant must provide a final invoice from the approved vendor.
- WCEGP will issue payment directly to the vendor, contractor, or supplier.
- Any costs exceeding the grant award amount are the responsibility of the applicant.
Reporting Requirements
Within 60 days of project completion, grant recipients must provide:
- A brief project summary
- Photos of completed work (if applicable)
- A statement describing how the project benefited the business
Grant recipients may also be asked to share their project as part of WCEGP promotional materials.
Quarterly Application Schedule
Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis and reviewed quarterly.
Application Deadlines
- March 31
- June 30
- September 30
- December 31
Funding decisions will be announced within 30 days of each application deadline.
Questions?
Washington County Economic Growth Partnership
99 Public Sq. Suite 202
Salem, Indiana 47167
Phone: 812-883-8803
Email: