In May 2020, the Lake County Commissioners authorized two business assistance programs to benefit small for-profit businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The programs are designed to further economic development, preserve employment opportunities for Lake County residents, and preserve the operations of small businesses during a time of need and emergency.
Lake County Commissioners budgeted $700,000 for these programs via the Community Development Block Grant through the federal CARES Act. To date, the Commissioners have approved 92 applications and distributed $602,000 of business relief in 16 of Lake County’s 23 communities. “The Commissioners are committed to providing whatever assistance we can to our small business as they are the backbone of our community,” said Commission President John R. Hamercheck.