The Hilltown CDC, on behalf of the Town of Ashfield, Blandford,Chester, Chesterfield, Cummington, Goshen, Huntington, Middlefield, Montgomery, Plainfield, Williamsburg and Worthington currently has two new programs of interest for residents: The Micro-Enterprise Relief Program which offers grants to business owners with 5 or less employees that have been negatively affected by COVID-19 and the Hilltown Food Bucks Program which offers coupons or “bucks” for low to moderate income families to use while shopping at select locations.
• Hilltown Food Bucks Program: This is a local effort to help Hilltown residents stretch their food dollars while supporting our critical local food businesses in a difficult time of social and economic stress. Eligible participants can receive between $100-$125 food coupons per month for five months to be used at participating local stores and farms. The coupons double your spending power when you make a purchase, so a shopping basket worth $80 can be paid for with $40 of coupons and $40 of your own money. Visit the Food Bucks website for more info.
• Micro-Enterprise Relief Program: The program will provide one-time grants for business owners who need financial assistance to support business operational costs in order to keep the business sustainable. Grant funds must be used within two months of award. Applications are now being accepted. Funding will be awarded based on a first come, first eligible, completed application basis, subject to the availability of funding. Grant amounts will range from a minimum of $1,000 to a maximum of $10,000 to cover business losses incurred after May 10, 2020. Visit the Micro-Enterprise website for more info.