Dubois County Business Grant Program

The Dubois County Chamber of Commerce quarterly business grant aims to bolster the local economy by supporting and promoting businesses that are current chamber members and contribute to the community's vitality. The Chamber's mission, though not explicitly detailed in the provided text, is implicitly aligned with fostering a robust local business environment, creating jobs, and enhancing the overall economic well-being of Dubois County. This grant serves as a direct mechanism to achieve those objectives, ensuring that financial support is directed towards entities committed to the area's prosperity. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are locally owned businesses situated within Dubois County. This includes businesses with no more than 50 full-time employees, including franchised businesses that are locally owned and operated, but explicitly excludes subsidiaries of larger corporations and publicly traded companies. The impact goal is to strengthen the foundational elements of the local economy by empowering these businesses, preventing their absorption by larger entities, and fostering an environment where local entrepreneurship can thrive. The grant prioritizes businesses that demonstrate a commitment to local operation and compliance with state regulations. Key focuses include ensuring that recipients are registered and in good standing with the Indiana Secretary of State, or have proper sole proprietorship documentation. Additionally, businesses must disclose any pending litigation, highlighting a focus on responsible and ethical business practices. These criteria aim to channel funds to stable and compliant businesses that are genuinely invested in the Dubois County community. The expected outcomes of this grant program are multifaceted. By providing financial support, the Chamber anticipates increased stability and growth among local businesses, leading to job creation and retention within Dubois County. Measurable results could include tracking the number of businesses supported, the reported growth in their employee base, and their continued good standing within the community. The Chamber's strategic priority is to act as a catalyst for local economic development, with this grant program serving as a core component of that strategy. The underlying theory of change is that by directly investing in and empowering local businesses, the Chamber can cultivate a resilient and prosperous economy that benefits all residents of Dubois County.