The application previously closed but has been extended. Hoosier small businesses now have until January 22, 2021 to apply for a grant to offset eligible expenses. Business eligibility increased from a max of 50 to 75 full time employees, and more expenses are eligible for reimbursement. And as of September, small businesses that received economic relief funding through federal programs, including the Paycheck Protection Program, Economic Industry Disaster Loans, and Community Development Block Grants, are now eligible to apply!

We know economic recovery is on the horizon for 2021, but we cannot predict exactly when and how it will arrive. So during this season of hope, let us pause to celebrate the gifts we cannot unwrap. Aspire celebrates the arrival of the first COVID-19 vaccines to our local healthcare workers as the first gift of Christmas, and we say thank you to all our front line workers. Pictured above is Dr. Randy Todd, Medical director of emergency services for Franciscan Health, who was the first of more than 200 people inoculated at Franciscan.

Love and joy unto you and yours this precious holiday season.