The Iowa Small Business Relief Program offered those economically impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic the opportunity to apply for $5,000 to $25,000 in support. Applications were due by noon on March 31, and the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) announced the distribution of those funds last week. Five Calhoun County businesses received awards. Big Beve’s Bar & Grill and Shore Side Pub & Grub, both in Manson, were each granted $25,000. The CO-OP Bar & Grill in Pomeroy was awarded $15,000 and Lee’s Quilt Shed in Jolley and Sweet Things Bakery in Lake City each received $6,000. “We are extremely thankful for this grant program and how quickly the Iowa Economic Development Authority launched it when our local businesses were impacted by closures related to the COVID-19 virus,” says Jill Heisterkamp, executive director of Calhoun County Economic Development. “We hope the State of Iowa and IEDA Director Debi Durham work together to secure additional funding for the program, that other applicants throughout Calhoun County will also be awarded and benefit from this program that will be critical for many of our small local businesses to remain viable.” Eligible businesses that applied for the program but did not receive notification are still being considered for potential funding in future rounds.