The Omaha Community Foundation (OCF) announced the launch of the Douglas County Food Services Stimulus for eligible restaurant and food services organizations in Douglas County today. The $2 million in stimulus funding is available to support small, locally owned and operated businesses in the food and beverage industry severely impacted by the pandemic.
The Douglas County Board has allocated funding to OCF to administer the program in partnership with the Nebraska Enterprise Fund (NEF). Applications are due to the Foundation by Wednesday, February 17 at 11:59pm; technical assistance is available through NEF for any businesses applying for funding.
“COVID-19 has had a devastating impact on our entire community,” said Douglas County Commissioner Mary Ann Borgeson, chairwoman of the Board. “Since the onset of the pandemic, the Douglas County Board has been working diligently to address the many issues our residents are facing, including the need for rent and utility assistance. We are grateful to continue our partnership with the Omaha Community Foundation to now distribute county funds to our local businesses.”
The $2 million comes from the County’s general fund. This new stimulus program follows a successful partnership between Douglas County and the Omaha Community Foundation to distribute $28 million of CARES Act funding to nearly 320 local nonprofit organizations late last year.
“We know how important small, locally-owned restaurants are to this community and our local economy. OCF is proud to partner with the County once again to get this funding quickly to the food service industry whose businesses have suffered due to the pandemic,” said Donna Kush, President and CEO of the Omaha Community Foundation. “Together with Douglas County and the Nebraska Enterprise Fund, we are committed to ensuring that those businesses who are eligible to apply have the assistance and support necessary to obtain these funds. As we start to think about recovery and rebuilding, getting stimulus funds into the hands of local businesses is a strong step forward.”
“As we start to think about recovery and rebuilding, getting stimulus funds into the hands of local businesses is a strong step forward.”
Small, locally owned business in the food and beverage industry, based in Douglas County, and operating under one of the following NAICS Codes are eligible to apply: 7223-Special Food Services (caterers and food trucks); 7224-Drinking Places; or 7225- Restaurants and Other Eating Places.
Additional eligibility and application details for the Food Services Stimulus program can be found at the following webpage: omahafoundation.org/stimulus. OCF is hosting a webinar for eligible businesses to provide an overview of the process, and answer questions today at 10am. Webinar details can be found via the links above or by clicking here.
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