WeCan Gets Westerville Back to Business

Community During COVID-19

WeCAN

Gets Westerville Back to Business

The City partnered with the Westerville Industry and Commerce Corporation (WICC) to offer up to a 50% matching grant of $2,500 to qualifying small businesses to help reopen their doors after the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions this spring. Grants were awarded in June.

“Small businesses are a vital piece of Westerville’s thriving economy, culture and community. It’s more important than ever that we help our local entrepreneurs get back to business while protecting the safety of employees and customers,” said Jason Bechtold, Economic Development Director for the City.

Called “WeCAN,” for Westerville COVID Assistance Now, WICC administered the program and provided grants to eligible applicants in order to promote the creation and retention of employment opportunities and improve the economic welfare of the City. This is pursuant to Chapter 1724 of the Ohio Revised Code.

WeCAN was funded by a reallocation of $300,000 of existing funds from two WICC programs. As such, limited funds are available. If a business finds that it does not need these recovery funds, it should not apply.

To be eligible for the program, businesses must have a storefront in the City with more than two full time employees. Businesses were required to prove that their businesses were significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

QUALIFYING PROJECTS FOR WeCAN FUNDS INCLUDED:

Advertising

Costs associated with job creation and job retention

Technology upgrades designed to assist in customer service, such as website design or upgrades, assistance with establishing or improving on-line ordering or WeConnect fiber and connection upgrades.

Building/site renovation costs associated with complying with any sanitization or social distancing requirements.

Purchasing of inventory required to reopen a business or re-establish normal business operations.

Purchasing of any sanitizing equipment or supplies.

WICC may consider additional costs not listed as “eligible” that contribute to the reopening of the business, the reestablishment of normal business operations and the hiring or rehiring of employees. Such items shall be declared in the application document and must be approved in advance by WICC.