The Ozarks Small Business Incubator (OzSBI) is pleased to have worked with the Howell County Commissioners and the Small Business Development Center to administer the Howell County CARES Small Business Relief grant. Together, we were able to help distribute more than half a million dollars to over 60 small businesses in Howell County. Mark Collins, Presiding Commissioner, stated that “the Howell County Commission appreciates the time and effort by the staff at OzSBI and the SBDC to help bring some financial relief from the expenses that the businesses in our county have incurred due to the COVID-19 pandemic.”
Autumn Shirley was the OzSBI Grant Administrator for this project and had this to say: “The Commissioners and the team at OzSBI have put a tremendous amount of work into preparing, reviewing, and awarding grants to qualified businesses and we are so pleased to have been able to help alleviate some of the financial pressure that businesses are experiencing due to the pandemic. Our only regret is that we don’t have more to give out.”
Darrell Hampsten, West Plains Coordinator for the SBDC added “SBDC thanks the Howell County Commissioners for dedicating CARES Act funds to our neighbors who own and operate small businesses. These people are our economic backbone, and for many this has been a trying year. These funds may well make the difference in many of the businesses surviving and continuing to employ local workers, support our schools and the many local causes critical to Howell County residents.”
