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Anonymous donor helps launch business incentive program in Jasper

By Miles Flynn | Southern Indiana Business Report

JASPER — A helping hand for new and expanding businesses is launching in Jasper thanks to an anonymous donor. The Genesis 12 Project, in coordination with the local Main Street program known as Heart of Jasper, is now accepting applications for funding.

Kate Schwenk, director of Heart of Jasper, told Southern Indiana Business Report the goal of the program is to stimulate growth and attract new businesses in the downtown and riverfront areas. Specific business categories being targeted are home, retail, food or beverage, arts or entertainment.

Kate Schwenk

According to a press release from the organization, the Genesis 12 Project is founded on the biblical principle that “we are blessed so that we will be a blessing to others.” The best way to enjoy and celebrate these blessings, the release continues, is to be a blessing to others. The Genesis 12 Project acts upon the belief that individuals should not just count their blessings but rather be the blessing other people count on.

Schwenk related the idea for the new business incentive got started with the organization’s economic vitality committee and was seen as a good fit with Heart of Jasper’s goal of filling vacant buildings and strengthening economic development in the community. “We are very appreciative of the Genesis 12 donor to allow us to get this program off the ground,” Schwenk said.

People who would like to learn more about the project are encouraged to contact Schwenk at [email protected]. “Once an application is submitted, the subcommittee will review the request,” she explained. “If the request meets the guidelines, the applicant will be scheduled for an in-person interview with the subcommittee.”

There is no timeline yet for the first round of grants, however Schwenk reported interest is already high. “The response has been surprisingly great!” she said. “We have had several people reach out who are interested in the incentive and were seeking additional information. It is exciting to know that there is interest in starting a new business or expanding a current business and that downtown Jasper is on their radar for that opportunity!”

The hope is additional funding will make it possible for the incentive project to be a long-term tool for Jasper. The key there will be securing additional funding. “Heart of Jasper is always seeking donors to sponsor our organization and support our projects,” Schwenk said. “If someone was specifically interested in donating towards the new business incentive, we would be happy to accept those donations and ultimately will be able to help more businesses.”

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