EUEA Emergency Relief Fund

The Elkhart Urban Enterprise Association (EUEA) Emergency Relief Fund is designed to provide short-term financial assistance to locally owned Elkhart businesses experiencing unexpected hardship due to unforeseen and urgent circumstances. The purpose of this fund is to help stabilize and support affected businesses and prevent permanent closure due to events outside of the owner’s control.

For the purposes of this program, an eligible emergency is defined as a situation that is:

- Unforeseen – not reasonably anticipated or planned for
- Unbudgeted – not accounted for in the business’s normal financial planning
- Time-sensitive – requires immediate action to prevent further loss, damage, or closure

Priority will be given to businesses that demonstrate a clear and immediate need for assistance and a meaningful contribution to the local economy or community. 

• Maximum Award: Up to $5,000 

• Eligibility Requirements: Commercial property owner or tenant with property owner consent

• Program Administrator: Elkhart Urban Enterprise Association (EUEA) 

• Application Status: Accepting applications on a rolling basis

Download the application and review program guidelines below: 

Completed applications may be submitted by email, mail, or in person. 

Grant funds may be used only for expenses directly related to the emergency, including but not limited to:

• Emergency repairs to buildings or equipment

• Emergency utility or operational costs directly caused by the event

Funds may not be used for routine operating expenses, ongoing business expansion, projects unrelated to the emergency, or reimbursement for work that has already been completed prior to grant approval.

All proposed uses of funds must be clearly documented in the application and justified as necessary to address the immediate emergency. If awarded, EUEA will pay contractors, vendors, or service providers directly whenever possible, rather than reimbursing the applicant. 

1. Complete the application form 

2. Gather required documentation (see below) 

3. Submit your application via email, main, or in person 

Submission Information: 

Development Services – Elkhart Urban Enterprise Association
c/o Drew Wynes
201 S Second Street (Office Location)
229 S Second Street (Mailing Address)
Elkhart, Indiana 46516
574-338-1895
Drew.Wynes@cityofelkhartin.gov 

• Completed application form 

• Photos of damage or emergency (if applicable) 

• Quotes or estimates for repair/replacement

• Any additional supporting documentation

Applications are reviewed by the Economic Development staff and Elkhart Urban Enterprise Association Board. 

Timing of review will be based on quarterly meeting schedule. Applicants will be notified during board review. 

This program is administered by the Elkhart Urban Enterprise Association (EUEA).