Plainfield business grants help shops survive pandemic
By Lindsay Doty
At Toy Buzz & Fizz in Plainfield, owner Bob Taylor is giddy about a fresh shipment of Baby Yoda (excuse us, “The Child”) miniature figurines inspired by “The Mandalorian” series.
They’ve been selling fast since he reopened the toy store off Vine Street on May 4 following the COVID-19 closures.
Like many small businesses, Taylor worried his doors would remain shut for good.
“Without knowing how long the mandate would be in effect and sales being minimal, it was a toss-up whether or not I would be able to reopen,” said Taylor, a toy collector from Hendricks County who always dreamed of opening his own mom and pop toy shop.
His store was one of nine businesses recently awarded a small business grant for $2,500 through the Town of Plainfield as part of a COVID-19 crisis response program.
“Small businesses are an important part of the fabric of our community, and they are being significantly impacted by the economic shutdown that is a necessary response to the pandemic,” said Robin Brandgard, Plainfield Town Council president. “We are excited to be able to offer this program to help our small businesses through these tough times.”
Taylor plans to put his grant funds towards basics like rent and utilities for his toy store that sells a range of modern and vintage toys and collectibles, along with fizzy sodas.
“This grant money means quite a bit to me and my small business. It takes some burden off having practically no sales for over a month,” said Taylor. “It’s also nice to know that the town is thinking about small business and putting great effort into keeping them in business, successful and around for the future.”
The town established a budget of $75,000 for the Plainfield Small Business Crisis Response Grant Program, which is a part of a bigger $340,000 COVID-19 Small Business Economic Response Plan. Main Street Plainfield Indiana also contributed financial support to businesses that fall within their district.
To apply, businesses must be in good standing with taxes, licenses and be established in Plainfield for at least six months and have a physical location in town.
Other businesses that received the $2,500 grants include Hoosier Gymnastics Training Center, Sunshine Cleaners, Johnson’s Coffee Shop, Baymont Inn & Suites Plainfield/Indianapolis Airport Area, Younique Culture, Kids Go Round, Sugar Pine Boutique and Premier Pest Control.
This is the second round of grants. The committee will continue reviewing applications on a first-come-first-serve basis until funds run out.