COVID-19

Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Grimes Chamber & Economic Development  is closely monitoring the changing developments of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) and its impact on our members and community.

We want to draw your attention to the Greater Des Moines Partnership’s Website (Link to https://www.dsmpartnership.com/covid-19). This site has resources, plans, and continually updated information.  This is an ever-evolving situation, and it is important for us to continue to support local businesses and each other especially during challenging times.

 

Updates: *subject to change*

IEDA Announces COVID-19 Small Business Utility Disruption Prevention Program
Financial Assistance Now Available to Eligible Small Businesses for COVID-19 Utility Disruption

July 17, 2020 (DES MOINES) – The Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) today announced the launch of the new Small Business Utility Disruption Prevention Program. The program will provide short-term relief to eligible small businesses and nonprofits that faced significant hardship in the payment of utility bills for service provided during the months of disruption to their business due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The program offers grants up to $7,500 to be applied to utility bill debt for eligible small businesses.

“Iowa’s small businesses and nonprofits keep our communities and our economy moving forward, and they have been hit hard in these unprecedented times,” said IEDA and Iowa Finance Authority Director Debi Durham. “We are proud to work with our utility partners statewide through this new program to help reduce the burden and position small businesses for recovery and growth.”

A funding allocation of $14.5 million from the CARES Act is available to IEDA for this initiative. To be eligible to receive assistance, businesses must have:

• a physical (non-residential) location in Iowa and 50 or fewer employees;
• not received funding from the IEDA’s Small Business Relief Grant Program;
• experienced a COVID-19 loss of revenue on or after March 17, 2020, that resulted in unpaid bills for electric or natural gas service provided between March 17, 2020, and June 30, 2020; and
• remained in operation or re-opened at the time of application.

For a full list of eligibility requirements, additional information and to apply, visit iowabusinessrecovery.com. Applications will be accepted between July 17, 2020, and August 21, 2020, or until funding is depleted, whichever comes first. Applications will be reviewed in the order received. Assistance will be awarded based on application completeness and eligibility until all funds have been exhausted.

Questions regarding the Small Business Utility Disruption Prevention Program can be submitted via email to energyrecovery@iowaeda.com or by phone at 1.855.300.2342.

Governor Reynolds announced new guidelines surrounding the opening of businesses in Iowa during a press conference yesterday. Effective Friday, June 12 at 8 a.m., the 50% capacity limitation will be lifted. The six-foot social distancing requirement will remain in place for restaurants and other businesses. All businesses are asked to implement reasonable measures and increased hygiene measures in accordance with guidance from the Iowa Department of Public Health.

Additionally, swimming pools, senior centers and adult day care programs may open if in compliance with specific guidelines outlined in a new Disaster Emergency Public Health proclamation, found here.

Governor Kim Reynolds launches Test Iowa. Iowa was the 2nd state in the nation to deploy this initiative which includes an online health assessment and drive-thru testing locations. Test Iowa is a 3 step process to help asses your eligibility for testing.

Watch for symptoms

Reported illnesses have ranged from mild symptoms to severe illness and death for confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases.

The following symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure.

• • Fever
  • Runny Nose
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath
  • Loss of taste or smell
  • Fatigue

 

Grimes Chamber Member Churches Offering Virtual/Online Services:

• NorthPoint Church | Live Stream Services Every Sunday 9AM & 10:35AM on their Facebook Page | 515-986-0306
• St. Peter Lutheran Church of Grimes | Live Stream Services available on their Facebook Page | 515-986-3077
• Grimes United Methodist Church | Live Stream services Sundays at 8:30AM available on their Facebook Page or on their Vimeo Account | 515-986-4036
• Summitcreek Church | Live interactions on their Facebook Page | 515-207-9551
• Harvest Bible Chapel Des Moines | Services posted on their YouTube Channel and Facebook Page | 515-428-0029
• First Presbyterian Church of Grimes | Video messages posted on their Facebook Page | 515-986-3720
• Crossroads Community Church | Videos posted on their Facebook Page | 515-986-5433