Mayor Eddie Melton launches "lifeline" grant offering up to $25,000 to Gary small businesses

Mayor Eddie Melton announced the launch of a new "lifeline" grant for small businesses in Gary, saying the program will provide awards of up to $25,000 and that the application period is already open and will close on June 1, 2026. "We've just recently launched our lifeline grant. This grant is going to help small businesses that have been struggling," Melton said at the start of a recorded message.

The mayor thanked the Gary Common Council and the Hard Rock Casino for matching funds that will be used for the program. Melton urged small-business owners to contact the city's economic development department or visit www.gary.gov/lifeline-grant for application details.

Melton also used the message to promote several summer events intended to draw visitors to downtown Gary. He announced the Greater Gary Music Fest, hosted by Michael Eps, scheduled for Saturday, June 27, and a 2300 Jackson Street Block Party set for Saturday, Aug. 29, through Sunday, Aug. 30, at the Roosevelt High School area. Other recurring events mentioned included weekly food-truck Fridays and a midweek Winddown Wednesday series.

The announcements position the grant and events as part of an effort to support local vendors and revive downtown activity. The city did not provide further details in the recorded remarks about the total program budget beyond the per-award maximum or the specific matching amount from Hard Rock Casino; applicants are directed to the city's website for the full application and eligibility rules.