The Enid Regional Development Alliance (ERDA) is now accepting applications for its third year of the MicroEnterprise Grant. In 2022, ERDA will award (2) $10,000 grants to two local businesses with six or fewer employees. Recipients can use the funds for any business expense necessary for the operation, management, formation, or expansion of the company.
In 2021, ERDA awarded MicroEnterprise Grants to Enid Family Martial Arts and Lenox Drive-In. Both recipients utilized their funds in unique ways to support the growth of their businesses. Enid Family Martial Arts utilized funds to purchase a new van to increase their after-school program outreach while Lenox paved the parking lot of their historic site.
“The microenterprise grant has allowed our business to reach four more schools in our community. We have been able to reach more families in our community and will be able to for years to come, said Alex Evers, Owner of Enid Family Martial Arts.”
“You cannot have a strong economy without growing and supporting small businesses. Our goal is that this grant helps our small business owners take the next steps in their growth. The Grant will allow the recipient to use the funds for rent, payroll, inventory, software, marketing, equipment, or renovations,” said Lisa Powell, ERDA Executive Director. Applications will be graded on the business’s viability, the potential for growth, and the overall economic impact. The recipient must be willing to partner with ERDA and Autry Technology Center on their success through coaching and other business assistance.
Those interested in applying for the grant may turn in an application to the ERDA by 5:00 pm on February 4, 2022, by emailing it to trent@growenid.com or delivering it to the office at 2020 Willow Run, Ste. 100. For more information and download the application, visit www.growenid.com/local-incentives or contact Trent Misak at 580.233.4232 or trent@growenid.com.