Small businesses located in the Designated Newport City Downtown district are now eligible to receive grants for a wide variety of technical assistance services, thanks to an award to Newport Downtown Development from the USDA-RD Rural Business Development Grant (RBDG) Program. Northern Community Investment Capital (NCIC) is assisting Newport Downtown Development in managing the funds.
Eligible consulting services include website design, electronic payment processing, graphic design, marketing (including social media), feasibility studies, engineering plans, architectural services, energy audits, grant writing, environmental assessments, and training for software such as QuickBooks or website content management.
The grant funds may pay for up to 100% of the project’s cost, upon its satisfactory completion. Only small businesses, defined as 50 or fewer employees and generally less than $1 million gross profit, are eligible.
Businesses must apply for funding, with assistance from NCIC available as needed. Applications will include a business plan (if available), ownership, and basic financial information. Applications should clearly describe how the project will enable the business to improve, expand, and increase employment opportunities.
For further information, questions, or applications, businesses should contact Aimee Quimby, Business Programs Administrator, NCIC at (802) 748-5101, ext. 2019 or at AQuimby@ncic.org.
