Hanksville Tours, of Wayne County, Utah, is one of the many businesses that received a Mainstreet Preservation Grant. Here is their story:
“In 2017, Chris Hoggatt was filling uncertain shifts at the mine and Kathryn Hoggatt was working two low paying jobs in town. So on a song and a prayer and a desire in their hearts to remain home in Hanksville, the Hoggatt’s saw a unique opportunity to open a much-needed recreation-related business, in the sometimes dusty town of Hanksville, Utah, home to a million miles of ATV trails, right at the Hoggatt’s doorstep.
“Supporting two families and supplying seasonal employment for two others, Hanksville Tours was just beginning to gear up for the 2020 tour season when the news of the coronavirus pandemic became the only out of town customer to come knocking at their front door.
“With winter rent, utilities and newly purchased inventory bills mounting, Chris and Kathryn feared that their life long dream of owning their own business was in certain jeopardy.
“On Friday the 17th of April, as if manna from heaven, in the shape of a $5,000.00 check from the Salt Lake Chamber showed up in their bill laden Hanksville mailbox. Kathryn broke down and cried, knowing that their understanding landlord and the utility companies could soon be paid and groceries for their employees would be on the dinner table.”
Learn more on about Hanksville Tours on their website: hanksvilletours.com.
The Mainstreet Preservation Grant, provided by the Salt Lake Chamber’s Utah Job Opportunities Foundation, is made possible thanks to a $500,000 donation from WCF Insurance. The grant funds are used to support rural and/or minority small businesses in Utah that need immediate assistance due to the COVID-19 and before federal stimulus funding is accessed. These grant funds are intended to help businesses in the short-term. To donate or learn more about the Mainstreet Preservation Grant, visit slchamber.com/mainstreet-preservation-grant.
