Small Business Stabilization Grants

Many in District 1, including small businesses and livestock producers, have been hit hard by COVID-19 and can’t seem to catch a break. While many businesses are starting to open back up and life is slowly going back to as we know it, there are still lingering economic impacts from COVID-19. 

Governor Ricketts announced on May 27 his plan to “Get Nebraska Growing.” This plan includes funding for many different areas including small business stabilization grants and grants for our livestock producers. 

Livestock producers who have been adversely affected by manufacturing closures and changing consumer demand due to COVID-19 qualify to apply for the Small Business Stabilization Grant for Livestock Producers. This grant is to help cover operating expenses and enable producers to return to stability and profitability. 

Producers with 1 to 10 employees as of March 13, 2020 that have closed or sustained a loss of revenue or employment since March 13, 2020 are eligible to apply. This includes beef cattle ranching and farming, dairy cattle and milk production, hog and pig farming, poultry and egg production, and sheep/goat farming.

Nebraska-owned businesses with 5 to 49 employees as of March 13, 2020 are eligible for application of the grant also. Ineligible business/industries/operations include mining, utilities, finance and insurance, management of companies and enterprises, educational services, public administration, and lobbyist and political organizations.  

The Department of Economic Development will make forms available from June 8 through June 19 for small businesses and June 15 through June 26 for livestock producers. Awards will be issued to qualifying applicants until funds are exhausted. For more information, please visit getnebraskagrowing.nebraska.gov.  

As always, I welcome your input on issues important to you. Follow along on my Facebook and Twitter pages, both entitled “Senator Julie Slama” for more updates, or contact me directly at Senator Julie Slama, District 1 State Capitol, PO Box 94604, Lincoln, NE 68509-4604; telephone 402-471-2733; email: jslama@leg.ne.gov