CARES ACT Funding: Business Assistance Grant Opportunity

The Lake West Chamber of Commerce prides itself on being a centerpiece of resources at the Lake of the Ozark for businesses, healthcare, and government. We work diligently to provide all the essential information as it becomes known, as well as providing a focal point for businesses and community members to network in the goal to enhance the quality of life and economy at the Lake of the Ozarks. During these unprecedented times, we are working hard to provide the most accurate information relating to COVID-19 and offer resources to assist businesses during their times of need. Continue reading to learn more about the Camden County Business Grant Application!

About the Program

Camden County has received Cornoavirus Relief Funds, provided by the Federal CARES Act. The Camden County Commission is making the funds available, on an application basis, to eligible entities for necessary expenditures incurred due to the public health emergency.

Funds may only be used to cover costs that:

• Expenditures related to business interruption caused by required closures by State or City Order related to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID–19)
• Expenditures associated with costs to operate businesses under State or City guidelines such as PPE and other modifications necessary to conduct business 
• Expenditures incurred during or to be incurred the period that begins on March 1, 2020, and ends on December 30, 2020

The requirement that expenditures be incurred as a result the public health emergency means that expenditures must be associated with actions taken to respond to the COVID-19 public health emergency.

**Please note: Payroll and Loss of Revenue are not eligible expenses in the grant program**

Nonexclusive examples of ineligible expenditures 

The following is a list of examples of costs that would not be eligible expenditures of payments from the Fund.

• Payroll or loss of revenue
• Expenses that have been or will be reimbursed under any federal program, such as the reimbursement by the federal government pursuant to the CARES Act of contributions by States to State unemployment funds
• Expenses for the State share of Medicaid
• Damages covered by insurance 
• Payroll or benefits expenses for employees whose work duties are not substantially dedicated to mitigating or responding to the COVID-19 public health emergency
• Reimbursement to donors for donated items or services. Workforce bonuses other than hazard pay or overtime
• Severance pay
• Legal settlements

Program Eligibility

The program funds will be allocated to eligible and qualified small businesses based on the availability of funds received by the County. Applications and supporting documentation are required for review and approval. All grants will be processed on a first-come, first-review basis to qualified applicants. Submission of an application does not guarantee approval for funds. This grant will be for actual expenses incurred and not projected expenses. Receipts will be required for incurred expenses.

 To be eligible, businesses must meet the following requirements: 

• Must be a for-profit, independently owned business or independently operated franchise, or non-profit organization geographically located within the borders of Camden County, MO and established prior to 1/1/2020.

• Must possess a current city, county, and state license or permit to operate, as applicable.

• Must employ less than 40 full-time or part-time employees. Owners are not included in the employee count.

• Must provide proof of a business hardship created by COVID-19. 

• Must use funds for ongoing business operational needs, lease/mortgage payments, utilities, materials, supplies, and services. To receive assistance with lease/mortgage payments or utilities the applicant must not have taken a Paycheck Protection Program loan or similar program under the CARES Act.

• Must be in compliance with local, state, and federal non-discrimination policy, and overall good standing with city and county service providers as of February 1, 2020 (e.g., current on utility bills, no liens or judgments from any governmental agency, and prior year(s) property taxes, state and federal taxes). 

• Camden County may request additional information, as necessary

The following businesses will NOT be considered eligible to request assistance under the relief program:

• Lending and investment institutions
• Corporately owned chain stores

Please complete the attached application and provide applicable copies of required documentation by mail or in-person by September 30, 2020.

 Mail or Drop-Off: 

Camdenton Chamber of Commerce, PO Box 1375, 739 W. US Hwy 54, Camdenton, 65020, 573-346-2227 Lake Area Chamber of Commerce, PO Box 1570, 1 Wilmore Lane, Lake Ozark, 65039, 573-964-1008 Lake West Chamber of Commerce, PO Box 340, 125 Oddo Drive, Sunrise Beach, 65079, 573-374-5500

We are honored to be able to extend this information about financial assistance opportunities to our local businesses in this time of need. Check out the application form on our website (www.lakewestchamber.com) to see if you qualify for the grant. Our community has adapted and come together to overcome the challenges posed by the pandemic, and that is what makes our lake area so strong. Let us continue to adapt, cooperate, and give when able to further grow our economy and improve our quality of life here at the Lake of the Ozarks.