State programs support small businesses

BOISE — In a press release, Governor Brad Little announced the success of several programs that support Idaho businesses and citizens during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Idaho Rebound cash grants for small businesses has distributed over $75 million to more than 8,700 small businesses in cash payments of up to $10 thousand. Boundary County received an estimated half a million dollars in cash grants to local businesses.

Idaho directed $94 million in coronavirus relief money to local governments, which they can distribute to local businesses. The process designed to allow local leaders that know their communities best to identify where support is needed.

Return to work incentives saw more than 26,000 employees receive $25.7 million in return to work bonuses. The incentives implemented are to incentivize people to return to work instead of relying on unemployment benefits.

An employer of Idaho can apply for the bonuses for their eligible employees. Awards will be up to $1,500 for full-time work, a minimum of 30 hours per week, and up to $750 for a part-time job, a minimum of 20 hours per week, over the four weeks following return to work.

Since May, Idaho distributed 4,233 orders of masks, gloves, sanitizers worth an estimated $1,082,150 for small businesses and non-profit organizations.

Small businesses can continue to acquire personal protective equipment from ‘Supplies.Idaho.Gov.’

A majority of Idaho cities and counties involved in the public safety initiative submitted a letter of intent to participate in Little’s plan that puts COVID-19 funds to cover salaries, allowing governments to pass savings to taxpayers with a potential reduction of 10 to 20 percent in property taxes. Boundary County was participating in the initiative and submitted a letter of intent.