Indianapolis and LISC Indianapolis collaborate on a new project and initiative expansion using ARPA funding

Indianapolis, Indiana – The American Rescue Plan Act funding will be used by the city of Indianapolis to expand one of LISC Indianapolis’ initiatives and work with LISC Indianapolis on a new program, the announcement was made on Tuesday.

A press release states that the city and LISC Indianapolis will work together on a program that will build capacity and serve as a hub for small company technical assistance. Additionally, the city is anticipated to support the expansion of LISC’s food justice partnership and equitable food access effort.

According to officials, grants from the city of Indianapolis’ ARPA funds totaling $3.2 million are what are funding both projects.

“Through LISC, these grants will address two critical issues affecting prosperity in Indianapolis: food access and the health of our small business landscape,” Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett said in the release. “Together, we can improve upward mobility for families and industries hardest hit by the challenges our community has faced over the last several years.”

According to the press release, the small business technical assistance hub and capacity-building program will be established using the $1.7 million grant. Small businesses and charity organizations can receive bookkeeping, legal, and marketing support from the technical assistance hub.

Nine “disproportionately COVID-impacted business development organizations” will benefit from the capacity-building programs, which will assist them with financial management, digital transformation, and strategic planning.

“As the Indianapolis community works toward COVID recovery, the small business ecosystem will benefit from this online resource navigation platform and investment in recovery support services,” David Hampton, the executive director of LISC Indianapolis, said in the release. “It is critical that the entire community come together to create a better ecosystem that will support small businesses, especially minority-owned businesses.”

The remaining $1.5 million will be used to expand the food justice partnership and LISC’s equitable food access effort. The goal of the program is to address the city’s “immediate food access needs and upstream contributors to food insecurity.”

With the help of the funds, LISC plans to map ecosystems and establish seven community food builders in the city’s food desert areas in collaboration with food-expert consultants. Additionally, six groups will get funds to help with operations and planning pertaining to the food security of Marion County’s underprivileged communities. Among these organizations are:

• Nine13 Logistics
• Edna Martin Christian Center
• Christamore House
• Flanner House
• CAFE (Community Alliance of the Far Eastside)
• Growing Places Indy.