9 grants for local businesses approved

NORWALK — The Huron County Commissioners approved nine grants to be awarded to area businesses through the Huron County CARES Small Business Grant Program. The third round of grants is ongoing. Adam Michaels Salon & Spa, Bad Habits Barber Shop, the Huron County Humane Society and the Huron County Chamber of Commerce were each awarded $10,000 in grant funding. New Look Salon, Norwalk Arts Center and Anytime Fitness were all awarded $5,000. Haven Hypnosis & Wellness and Morris Family Tree Services were each awarded $2,500 through the program. The Huron County Development Council (HCDC) is assisting the grant review committee review applications and determine the businesses that have been directly and adversely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The review committee consists of county commissioner Skip Wilde, county auditor Roland Tkach, treasurer Kathleen Schaffer and prosecutor James Sitterly. In the first round of grant awards, 12 were approved. Dynasty Lanes, JPS Press Box, the Norwalk Eagles Club 711, East of Chicago Pizza, E's Glow LLC and Laser Images were all awarded $10,000 in the first round. Dorothy Sword, a family child care provider, M.A.A.D. Impressions, Wakeman Elevator Craft Beer and Wine Bar and Erie Basin Resource Conversation & Development Council were also awarded $10,000. Stevie G's Custom Designs was awarded $2,500 and Bluto's Hometown Tavern was awarded $5,000 in the first round. HCDC director Carol Knapp said there were 36 applications to the small business grant program. Questions regarding the Huron County COVID-19 Small Business Grant Program can be directed to the Huron County Development Council (HCDC) at 419-663-4232 or via email at econdirector@hcdc.net.