“We really got hit hard,” said Sherwood.
“People were scared and overbought, which backed up the processors and delayed our ability to buy and sell our products. Because we put a lot on credit cards, the CDBG program will allow us to pay some of that debt down and level out as the market stabilizes.”
Funding for the grant was provided by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to Racine County, and the administration of the grant is coordinated by the Racine County Economic Development Corporation (RCEDC).
The uses of the program vary widely.
Emily Allyn, owner of Union Grove’s Beauty and Brow Artistry, plans to use her funds for ongoing expenses – rent, marketing, and continuing education. Allyn had to shut down her business in 2020, within a year of opening, but was still required to meet debt obligations.