RUTLAND, Vt. (WCAX) – Rutland’s Business Incentive and Assistance Program is reversing its decision to forgive a loan following the Covid-19 pandemic.

According to the Rutland Board of Trustees, Paige Carrara received a $10,000 forgivable loan in 2020 to expand her business “Blush Salon” downtown.

When Covid hit, she had to use that money to keep her business afloat at 60 Center Street instead of starting renovations at 15 Center Street, one of the conditions of the grant. She asked for forgiveness from the Committee on Economy and Development, but her proposal was rejected.

“I think it’s between a rock and a hard place, there might be a creative solution that we haven’t found yet that works for everyone, uh, but I don’t think anyone is happy to not forgive any of these loans I think it’s important for people to know that it’s not free money, you have to do certain things, these are investments that we’re making in communities so. so businesses can thrive,” said Rutland Board Chairman Michael Talbott.

Carrera did not wish to comment on the situation and still has the possibility of requesting the cancellation of the loan before the full board of aldermen.

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