The state of Maine is providing $5.8 million in grants to 109 small businesses to assist with recovery from severe winter storms that occurred in December and January. The funds, which range from $2,000 to $100,000, will be distributed by the Department of Economic and Community Development to businesses across various industries that were impacted by the storms. This funding is part of a larger $60 million storm relief package approved earlier this year by Gov. Janet Mills and the Legislature.
One of the businesses receiving assistance is Pike Project Development, owned by Zack Pike, whose former Maine Spinning Mill building in Skowhegan was damaged by flooding during the storms. The spinning mill project received a $100,000 grant for repairs. The state’s Business Recovery and Resilience Fund will provide additional support to businesses in all 16 Maine counties for projects focused on recovering from storm damage and preventing future damage.
Projects eligible for funding include infrastructure upgrades, drainage system improvements, relocating equipment or the business itself to a safer location, and investing in insurance. These grants are conditional and will be awarded based on a review of the businesses’ project proposals. This initial round of funding is part of the state’s ongoing efforts to support small businesses affected by natural disasters and build resilience in the face of future storms.
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