Greater Together Small Business Resilience Fund launched to provide no-interest small business bridge funding

The newly created Greater Together Small Business
Resilience Fund, an unprecedented public-private partnership between county and
city officials and private industry, is accepting applications to award nearly
$1 million in loans to small businesses in need.

“This loan program is a reflection of the teamwork that
pulsates throughout Southern Utah,” said Washington County Commissioner Victor
Iverson. “We all share in the urgency of assisting the small businesses that
desperately need a stop-gap funding source during this challenging time.”

The Greater Together Small Business Resilience Fund
provides zero-interest, short-term bridge funding for small businesses in
Washington County experiencing economic hardship due to the COVID-19 outbreak.
Bridge funding is meant to help small businesses stay in operation until they
can apply for small business loans at state and/or federal levels.

“The ability to be nimble and the speed with which we can
disperse these funds is critical,” said Don Willie, President and CEO of the
St. George Area Chamber of Commerce. “The vast majority of businesses in our
area are considered small — with 50 or fewer employees. The infusion of capital
for them comes at a time when they need it most.”

Washington County has pledged $500,000 to the Resilience
Fund. The City of St. George will add $250,000. Washington City and Santa Clara
City will contribute as well. Private sector contributions currently include
Walker Edison LLC ($25,000), Zions Bank ($10,000) and State Bank of Southern
Utah ($5,000), with more to be announced later.

Private residents and businesses may contribute to this
fund through the St. George Area Chamber of Commerce or through Zions Bank.

The funds will be administered by the St. George Area
Chamber of Commerce with contributors participating in the review and award
process.

“We expect this to make a significant impact on our small
businesses — the lifeblood of our economy,” said St. George Mayor Jon Pike. “We
are all in this together and we will get through this because of our sense of
optimism and dedication to preparedness that is so unique to Southern Utah.”

To qualify for a Greater Together Small Business
Resilience Fund loan a business must satisfy several requirements, including:

·        
Hold a current business license in a municipality within Washington County

·        
Have 50 or fewer full-time equivalent employees

·        
Be a for-profit or non-profit business in good standing with the Utah
Division of Corporations

·        
Be headquartered in Southwest Utah

A full list of loan criteria and application instructions
can be found at www.greatertogetherfund.org. Applications will
be received on a rolling basis with reviews beginning Monday, March 30.
Businesses are encouraged to apply by March 30.