Emery County board tables extra small-business grants, approves 2026 funding split and moves to pursue larger competitive grant

The Emery County Economic Development Board on an undated meeting discussed how to spend remaining rural county grant money and whether to prioritize small business improvement awards or recruitment for the Emery Industrial Park.

A board member proposed awarding $5,000 apiece to 11 previously unfunded applicants — a roughly $60,000 request assuming a 1:1 match — citing recent local projects that used earlier grants to renovate storefronts, buy equipment and open new services. Staff member Natalie explained an attestation form for the 2025 rural county grant must be signed and submitted as part of the program reporting.

The board spent much of the session weighing two strategies: continue funding local small-business projects that provide immediate benefits to existing enterprises, or invest in marketing and recruitment (including a master plan and asset package) to attract larger employers to the industrial park. Jordan reported the master plan request for proposals had been reissued, with contractor selection expected in about a month; several members said showing design and parcel details would help recruitment efforts.

State economic partners were a recurring topic. An outreach manager for the grant program told the board that counties are…