Spire creates new assistance program for Missouri small businesses impacted by coronavirus pandemic

With 98% of small businesses impacted financially, the natural gas provider offers up to $500 in assistance

ST. LOUIS (Dec. 8, 2020) — Spire is offering a new financial assistance option of up to $500 for active, Missouri small businesses struggling due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Spire will begin accepting applications for the new Small Business Pandemic Relief Program the week of Dec. 14.  

The assistance is crucial as a recent study conducted by Spire of small business customers found 98% have been impacted financially by coronavirus. Many of these small businesses are restaurants working through public health precautions and social distancing practices related to the pandemic.

“Small businesses are an important part of our community, making up almost half of Missouri’s private sector jobs and playing a significant role in the state’s economy,” said Scott Carter, president of Spire Missouri. “We want to do our part to help.”

To be eligible for the program, a business must be an active, Missouri customer in the small general services rate class, be a locally owned business or franchise, and complete an online application. If accepted into the program, small businesses can receive $100 per month for up to five months. The program runs through Sept. 30, 2021, or until funds are exhausted.

“Young’s Restaurant & Catering Company, Inc. has been around since 1954,” said Grant Young, owner of the Valley Park, Missouri establishment. “Even as a longstanding family-owned business, we have felt the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic. Carryout is only 40% of our normal business. We’ve been able to keep everyone employed and our doors open because of support from loyal customers who purchase gift cards and patronize us regularly. As we approach another rough patch, I appreciate Spire stepping up and offering assistance. Every bit helps right now.”

Approved Dec. 2 by the Missouri Public Service Commission, the Small Business Pandemic Relief Program is part of the company’s comprehensive approach to provide relief for customers who are experiencing hardship due to the coronavirus pandemic. In November, the natural gas provider began offering up to $400 in assistance for Missouri residential customers who have been furloughed or experienced job or income loss and have an outstanding balance on their Spire account. Additionally, Spire previously launched one-time credit assistance programs for both Missouri residential and small business customers.

“From the beginning of the pandemic, we’ve been committed to ensuring our community maintains access to affordable, reliable, clean natural gas,” said Carter. “We encourage customers who are struggling to call us. We are here to help.”

To apply or learn more about the new program or other ways Spire is helping customers impacted by the pandemic, visit SpireEnergy.com/relief.