Project to provide grants for damaged Ferguson area businesses

FERGUSON, Mo. (AP) - A new initiative seeks to provide non-governmental grants for businesses in the Ferguson area that were damaged during protests that followed the police shooting of 18-year-old Michael Brown.

Missouri Secretary of State Jason Kander on Thursday announced a project known as #FergusonRebuild. Small businesses in Ferguson and neighboring Dellwood and Jennings that were destroyed, damaged or burglarized in protests since August can apply for a grant to pay for construction, rent and other costs.

Businesses must agree to remain at the current location or in the same city.

The initiative will rely on donations from business and civic organizations, along with an Internet crowd-funding campaign through www.FergusonRebuild.us . Funding will be dispersed through the St. Louis Regional Business Council and North County Inc. through an effort that has already raised $400,000 to help businesses and schools. The FergusonRebuild money is strictly for small businesses.

Brown, who was black and unarmed, was shot and killed by white Ferguson officer Darren Wilson on Aug. 9. Several businesses were damaged in protests immediately after the shooting, and 12 businesses were destroyed in fires on Nov. 24, after the grand jury decision not to charge Wilson with a crime was announced.

Kander said many business owners don't know what to do next. He said the grants will offer them a greater opportunity to rebuild.

"They have poured their heart, and their life savings, into their businesses, and many can't afford to take on additional debt to re-open or remain open, even with help from no-interest loans," Kander said.