Gov. Eric Holcomb is working to increase access to economic and workforce recovery programs for minorities by partnering with Indiana Black Expo (IBE), WSCH reported.
Holcomb told WSCH Indiana must make sure that everyone has access to assistance during the pandemic.
“As a state, we’re committed to ensuring that our businesses and our people have access to vital economic and workforce assistance during this unprecedented time,” Holcomb said, the news agency reported. “Launching this new partnership with Indiana Black Expo will expand the state’s capacity to provide critical COVID-19 resources to minority businesses and workers, while further positioning Indiana for long-term, sustainable economic recovery.”
Holcomb hopes that through the partnership, IBE will be able to provide support for employers by connecting them with important coronavirus resources, as well as developing educational initiatives — like webinars for minority owners — and increasing the number of partnerships with existing state resources, WSCH reported.
Holcomb approved $500,000 that came through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act to help with the program. Holcomb hopes to raise awareness with the funding.
IBE President and CEO Tanya McKinzie told WSCH the pandemic has severely impacted black communities.
”COVID-19 is devastating our communities and the result is an uneven economic impact on African-Americans,” McKinzie told WSCH. “IBE is looking forward to partnering with the state to ensure that the African American community and minority-owned businesses are accessing the state’s economic and workforce recovery opportunities and are receiving tools and resources necessary to stay afloat during and after this pandemic.”
The partnership was created to increase awareness of funding and resources that are available for minority businesses and employees. IBE will focus on making sure there is a long-term, sustainable economic recovery that can provide resources for relief for minority small business owners, as well as entrepreneurs and startups, WSCH reported.