County Closes Out Safe Operating Grant Program, Providing Nearly $6,300,000 to Entities

(Sedgwick County, Kan.) – After five months, Sedgwick County is in the final stages of closing out its Safe Operating Grant Program, providing nearly $6.3 million to small businesses and non-profits located in Sedgwick County that were negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The County received 1,799 unique applications and offered awards to 72 percent of the requesting entities of up to $5,000 each for business-related expenses such as rent, utilities, and PPE for safe reopening.  Forty-one percent of the approved applicants include self-reported Historically Underutilized Businesses and Minority and Woman-Owned Businesses.

This funding was made available through the County’s allocation of CARES funding, as well as $9.3 million allocation from the State of Kansas CARES Act stimulus that was dedicated to economic revitalization in Sedgwick County, including workforce development programs, PPE kits for businesses, and the Safe Operating Grant program.

“We are immensely grateful for the $5,000 CARES grant,” said Adele Jordan, manager of Connie’s Mexico Café. “The grant allowed us to purchase barrier shields between booths, signage, and large bulk sanitizing items. The items allowed us to stay open and practice proper safety hygiene for our dine-in and carryout guests.”

For more information on the Program’s impact, please visit the Sedgwick Cares Funding page at www.sedgwickcounty.org/covid-19/cares-funding/

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