The city of Muncie says it’s cut the first checks to local businesses as part of its plan to distribute federal COVID-19 relief money.  IPR’s Stephanie Wiechmann reports.

The Muncie City Council approved a plan for the more than $30 million in American Rescue Plan funds in mid-June.  When first introduced, city council president Jeff Robinson said he hoped committees approving businesses for the relief money could send out checks “before the end of the summer.”

Now, the first seven such checks will go to local restaurants in locations across Muncie.  $2 million is being given to restaurants – one of the hardest-hit industries during the “stay-at-home” pandemic months.

According to a statement, those businesses are:

• Sea Salt & Cinnamon  (Read More: Muncie Vegan Bakery Reaches Kickstarter Goal To Move Into Downtown Space)
• Elm Street Brewing Co.
• Roots Burger Bar
• Mulligans Grill
• La Hacienda
• Yats
• Vera Mae’s Bistro

The city says each these businesses received “up to $30,000.”  City officials say there will be more awards coming to both more restaurants and others – like tourist-related small businesses, hotels, and non-profit organizations.

But if you’re a small business owner who’s applied for funds and wondering if you’ve been approved, you’re not alone.

Last week, Queer Chocolatier co-owner Morgan Roddy shared on social media that she’d applied and been pre-approved, but hadn’t received any direct follow-up the city promised, even after reaching out multiple times.  Other business owners said they’d had the same experience.  Roddy now says a city councilperson contacted her after her public post and gave her the contact information she needed.

The city’s plan for the federal funds runs through 2024.

Graphic: Stephanie Wiechmann / Figures: City of Muncie