During the Summit County Council of Governments meeting on September 19, 2023, discussions centered on available grants and resources aimed at supporting local businesses, particularly in rural areas. The meeting highlighted the importance of economic development initiatives and the need for effective grant writing assistance for smaller municipalities.

One of the key topics was the introduction of the Ready Program, which offers up to $6,000 per employee annually for businesses in rural areas that meet specific wage criteria. This program is designed to incentivize the hiring of new employees, thereby boosting local economies. The discussion emphasized the competitive nature of wages across different sectors, from service industries to higher-paying fields like oil and gas.

Laurie Haslam, an outreach manager, provided a detailed overview of the resources available through the state’s business website, including various grants and tax credits. She pointed out that many rural communities lack dedicated grant writers, which can hinder their ability to secure funding. To address this gap, Haslam announced plans for an online class aimed at training individuals in grant writing, which would be particularly beneficial for those in smaller organizations who may not have the expertise or resources to navigate the grant application process effectively.

The meeting also touched on the challenges faced by municipalities, such as Park City, which is dealing with infrastructure issues that could disrupt local businesses. Haslam suggested that municipalities could include costs related to infrastructure projects in their grant applications, although she cautioned that funding is not guaranteed.

Overall, the meeting underscored the ongoing efforts to enhance economic development in Summit County and the importance of providing support to local businesses through accessible resources and training. As municipalities prepare for upcoming grant opportunities, the collaboration between state outreach managers and local governments will be crucial in maximizing the potential benefits of these programs.