The Greater Topeka Partnership and GO Topeka are pleased to announced that the private donations raised through the HOST Relief Program were delivered today to 20 additional Shawnee County small businesses, bringing the total to 40 so far. HOST, or Helping Others Support Topeka, was created to provide emergency funding to local businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. To date, $618,000 in private HOST Relief donations have been raised to purchase gift cards from local businesses.

“The Nellis family has lived and conducted business in Topeka for over 125 years. We, along with many others, are devastated by the impact that the Corona Virus has brought down on our lives,” said Scott Nellis, private donor. “My mother felt the need to do something to help our community. The HOST Relief Program was a perfect fit for us since it not only helps Topeka businesses, but also helps affected employees and their families who live in Topeka.  Every dollar that is donated gets spent twice right here in Topeka.”

“The time is now to start helping small business,” said Glenda Washington, senior vice president of Women & Minority Business Development, a program of GO Topeka. “It is our hope that through HOST we can provide relief to our small businesses sooner rather than later. As our efforts continue, we also encourage the residents of Topeka and Shawnee County to help where they can to support our small business community during this difficult period.”

Additional recipients will be announced in the weeks to come. 

The businesses that received private donations today are:

About HOST Relief Program

The HOST Relief Program is a small business emergency resource fund that was developed by private sector leaders and is being facilitated by GO Topeka and the Greater Topeka Partnership.

On April 1, the Joint Economic Development Organization (JEDO) approved $1 million in additional grants to provide support to small businesses through the HOST Relief Program. Small businesses will be eligible to receive up to $5,000 in grant money through this program.  These grants will be used to complement the private HOST Relief donations.

Applications for the HOST Relief Program may be found at SupportTopeka.com/HOST or by calling 785.246.6246 (English) or 785.246.6227 (Spanish).

About GO Topeka

GO Topeka creates opportunities for economic growth that provide a thriving business climate and fulfilling lifestyle for Topeka and Shawnee County. GO Topeka operates under the Greater Topeka Partnership, the leading economic development agency in the region.  

About Greater Topeka Partnership

The Greater Topeka Partnership serves as the collaborative agency of eight distinct efforts that support the enhancement of economic development and quality of life in Topeka and Shawnee County. They include:

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If you would like more information about this topic, please contact Bob Ross at Bob.Ross@TopekaPartnership.com.

If you have questions regarding small business support, or what aid is available to you, you may call the following:

English – 785.246.6246 

Spanish – 785.246.6227