By PATRICK SHEA

SAGUACHE

COUNTY - Although COVID-19 has crippled individuals and entire economies, Saguache County will be boosting business soon with federal dollars distributed through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act.

“We want to help bring business back on track,” noted Saguache County Administrator Wendi Maez.

The Sept. 15 application deadline has come and gone, and Maez is currently processing paperwork for a couple dozen companies. No organizations from the agriculture sector applied for funds. Most applicants are retail and service enterprises with multiple employees.

Maez explained how the county is the fiscal agent for CARES Act funds. To fairly allocate the $585,411, approximately 40 percent of the money will go to the towns of Saguache, Crestone, Center and Moffat. The remaining 60 percent stretch throughout the county.

The money must be distributed before Dec. 30. As a grant (not a loan), the distribution is designed to help businesses and other enterprises rebuild. Grantees can use the money for basic business expenses like utilities, water and sanitation. The application requests predictable information (contact name and address, for example). Like most grants, it requires applicants to specify how they will measure success leveraging the funds. Detailed budgets and information about other financial contributors are also required.

But unlike bank loan applications or other requests for money, the form also asks, “If you do not receive the full amount of your funding request or other funds needed, what will you do?” This program is about recovery, not profit.

For approved grantees, “They will receive the money up front,” Maez explained. “This can help bring business back on track.”