MAEDA Supports Local Businesses
MAEDA continues to provide support during COVID-19 crisis
MAEDA continues to provide support during COVID-19 crisis
The Marshall Area Economic Development Alliance (MAEDA) board of directors and staff are working daily to meet current needs and develop future initiatives to support local businesses and community partners during this unprecedented public health emergency.
“MAEDA strives to make Marshall the place to live, work and visit by supporting area businesses and promoting all our city has to offer,” said Caryn Drenth, MAEDA board chair. “During this time of crisis, the needs of our community are more immediate and crucial than ever, and MAEDA remains committed to doing everything we can to facilitate assistance.”
In addition to providing over 70 small businesses and organizations with grants from MAEDA reserve funds, a community relief program has been created. Thanks to generous donations from individuals, the Marshall Rotary Club, and even two local chamber members “giving back” to their fellow business owners by returning their MAEDA grants after receiving other assistance, this fund has raised close to $13,000 to support future initiatives and help save Marshall establishments. To donate to the fund and learn about other ways to help, like purchasing yard signs or gift certificates, visit choosemarshall.com/covid-19/.
If you are a local business owner and would like to lend your input to MAEDA, a survey has been created to gain insight into immediate needs and to guide future initiatives. “Our board has been meeting remotely, in various groups, every day to talk about the latest programs offered on the state and federal level and brainstorm other ways to help locally,” Drenth added. “Letting us know your current needs as well as concerns down the road is invaluable information.” The brief MAEDA COVID-19 Impact Survey may be found here: surveymonkey.com/r/6NG97V2.
MAEDA has also created a bi-weekly newsletter dedicated to disseminating the latest information about state and federal grants and loans, Calhoun County updates, available business-focused webinars, and to highlight positive news in the community. Distributed via email on Tuesday and Friday mornings, you may subscribe to “Conquering COVID-19 in Calhoun County” by sending your email address to [email protected].
“Although the MAEDA office is currently closed, be confident our focus is on assisting our community during this crisis and working with businesses and other organizations as Marshall begins to ‘open up,” said Drenth. “We are all in this together.”
For more information about MAEDA, questions, or other updates from Marshall, visit choosemarshall.com or email [email protected].