A Message from the Chamber Regarding COVID-19

As a business in West Central Indiana, we know that it can be hard to interpret the ongoing stream of information regarding COVID-19. To continue one of the main functions of the Chamber of Commerce, we are here to provide real-time, hands-on information that can be useful to our member businesses while making key decisions.

In 2021, we continue to update and push out vital information to our members and the business community.

Resources from 2020 can be found at the bottom of this page. 

COVID-19 Resources:

News from the State of Indiana

View details on Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb's Back on Track plan.

Indiana's Critical Industries can access answers to their specific questions via the Critical Industries website.

Guidance on Essential and Non-Essential Businesses - For additional information on what is considered an essential business, visit the US Dept of Homeland Security – CISA – Guidance on Critical Infrastructure.

Financial Resources

General Information and Financial Resources:

West Central Indiana Resources:

Thrive West Central, an innovative regional driver dedicated to enhancing community assets while improving the overall quality of life in West Central Indiana, announced the launch of Resilient, a regional recovery and resiliency plan to help our communities thrive. Resilient was made possible through the $400,000 Economic Development Administration (EDA) CARES Act Recovery Assistance grant that Thrive received in August.

Thrive will spend the next several months engaging and conversing with a diverse group of stakeholders to gain a clear picture of the regional challenges and opportunities posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. This comprehensive data collection and analysis process will culminate in the publication of a recovery and resiliency plan that will serve as a guide for communities as they look to emerge from the pandemic and work to rebuild their communities.

Resilient will specifically look to engage with stakeholders and communities in Clay, Parke, Putnam, Sullivan, Vermillion and Vigo Counties.

For first steps of in the stakeholder engagement process, Thrive is seeking responses to their COVID-19 economic endurance survey. The data collected from this survey will provide critical insight into the most pressing economic challenges caused by COVID-19.

Paycheck Protection Program (PPP):

New information is available by clicking here.

Information is updated as we receive details.

In early January 2021 the Small Business Administration and Indiana Small Business Development Center released information regarding PPP.

Guidance on Accessing Capital for Minority Underserved Veteran and Women Owned Business Concerns

PPP -- IFR -- Second Draw Loans (1.6.2021)

PPP -- IFR -- Paycheck Protection Program as Amended by Economic Aid Act (1.6.2021)

Please note, the best source of information regarding the PPP is your local bank. Also, consult your attorney and/or accountant for specific regulations and guidelines for your industry.

Additional Financial Resources:

Unemployment Services 

Employment Opportunities

General Resources from 2020

 Additional PPP Information Links (2020):

Financial Resources (2020):

General Business Resources

West Central Indiana Small Business Development Center

Located at Indiana State University, the Indiana Small Business Development Center is a FREE service for small business entrepreneurs. They offer one-on-one meetings and services including marketing, creating business plans, financing information and more.

Downtown and Main Street Resources