Salt Lake Co. launches program to bring diverse businesses resources

Salt Lake County has announced the launch of the Economic Inclusion Community Assistance Program aimed at mitigating the K-shaped economic recovery resulting from the effects of the coronavirus pandemic. A K-shaped recovery is defined as a scenario where certain industries and individuals pull out of a recession, while others stagnate, basically splitting an economy in two with separations along class, racial, geographic or industry lines.

The program is designed “to address gaps in connecting diverse business owners with existing resources, which have otherwise remained underutilized or unknown, the county said in a release. County leaders said they want to leverage community organizations’ relationships to help connect diverse businesses with the support they need to recover from the pandemic’s effects and achieve long-term success.

“We believe community partners have the existing relationships, established networks, and cultural awareness necessary to effectively assist diverse business owners experiencing the devastating financial impacts of the pandemic, and this program will facilitate that one-on-one connection,” said Samantha Mary Thermos, Salt Lake County COVID-19 economic recovery program manager.

The program will specifically fund partners that work with businesses in communities experiencing economic opportunity gaps, including African American, Black, Hispanic, Latinx, Native American, Asian-Pacific, Subcontinent Asian American, women, persons with disabilities, veterans, socially or economically disadvantaged businesses and businesses located in areas with lower economic opportunity.

“I’m proud of the high levels of economic opportunity Salt Lake County has achieved, but we still have important work to do around inclusion,” said Jevon Gibb, Salt Lake County economic development director. “Some communities are getting left behind and COVID-19 has made that trend worse. All too often, this lack of opportunity goes overlooked. We’re excited to work with partners to help these communities achieve their potential, which will create a stronger economy for everybody in Salt Lake County.”