Fort Worth-area chamber offering grants for small businesses affected by pandemic

Inspired by reaction to a disaster in another part of the state, Lisa Flowers worked to make sure folks in her own area would be taken care of if disaster struck.

She just didn’t figure it would be a worldwide pandemic.

Flowers, President and CEO of the East Parker Chamber of Commerce, decided it was time her organization started a foundation, which became official in January 2019. Now they are offering grants to local small businesses impacted by COVID-19.

“After Hurricane Harvey hit the coast, I could see people in Parker County wanted to help. I could see it was only a matter of time before Parker County got hit with something and needed help, and here we are,” she said.

The nonprofit EPCC Foundation is offering grants up to $500 for small businesses, and Flowers said they have up to $25,000 in the coffers to help. The application and qualifications for applying are online at eastparkerchamber.com/about-us/chamber-foundation.

“Even though it’s only $500, it can be a huge help. Eighty-seven percent of our businesses in Parker County have less than 10 employees, and East Parker County is made up of mom-and-pop businesses,” Flowers said, noting the money can help in a variety of ways, including rent, masks, hand sanitizer, supplies, utilities, and more.

Flowers said funding is distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.

Anyone wishing to contribute can visit the web site or send it to East Parker County Chamber Foundation, 100 Chuckwagon Tr., Willow Park, Texas 76087.