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Date: 3/10/2021
HILLTOWNS – David Christoplis, executive director of the Hilltown Community Development Corporation has announced that businesses, nonprofits, artists and farmers in the hilltowns who have suffered a financial impact due to COVID-19 may apply for small grants of up to $15,000.
Christopolis said a new round of grants totalling $250,000 was secured in the state budget by Sen. Adam G. HInds specifically earmarked for the rural hilltowns. $150,000 of the grant will be administered by the Hilltown CDC for financial relief for the region, and $100,000 will be administered by the Greater Shelburne Falls Area Business Association.
“This is a brand new fund. It is not the same as the CDBG CV funds we are using to help businesses,” Christopolis said.
Christopolis said businesses, nonprofits, artists and farmers located in Blandford, Chester, Chesterfield, Cummington, Goshen, Granville, Huntington, Middlefield, Montgomery, Peru, Plainfield, Russell, Westhampton, Williamsburg, Worthington are invited to apply for this new relief fund, which is designed to be more flexible than previous grants or loans in order to meet the needs of rural communities.
“It’s great that our Senator was able to secure funding specifically for Hilltown businesses. The lack of internet in our region puts our rural businesses at a disadvantage to compete. This has been particularly hard during the pandemic. It is important the state government recognize and respond to the real needs of rural communities,” Christopolis said.
The grants will be given on a first-come, first-served basis, and must be expended by June 30, 2021, Christopolis said.
Grant applications can be obtained on the Hilltown CDC’s website at www.hilltowncdc.org or by contacting Michele Kenney, program coordinator at michelek@hilltowncdc.org. For more information, contact Michele Kenney at 354-1055.