Indiana's Small Business PPE Marketplace is a new resource for small businesses and non-profits in need of supplies asa they prepared for reopening after the Coronavirus pandemic.
The marketplace is a service of the Indiana Economic Development Corporation.
The marketplace website to secure PPE went live on Wednesday, May 6 at www.backontrack.in.gov/ppemarketplace.htm. All orders will need to be placed through the website.
According to the IEDC, this marketplace should be used as a secondary source of PPE’s if a company cannot obtain them on their own. If a business can't get PPE from another source and it misses out on initial disbursements, IEDC will work with that business to get in on the next round of supplies. We also encourage businesses to work together to secure PPE.
PPE Marketplace frequently asked questions:
Who can use the marketplace?
Small businesses and nonprofits registered in Indiana that employ 150 or less and are required to use PPE as a condition of reopening qualify for the marketplace.
Who is required to use PPE?
Per the state's reopening guidelines, workers in restaurant, personal services, retail and office environments will be required to use PPE. Restaurant workers, for example, will be required to wear face masks.
How much does it cost?
PPE through the marketplace is currently free, but that could change.
What kind of PPE is available?
Masks, face shields and hand sanitizer will be available in bundles.
How do businesses request PPE?
Beginning Wednesday, businesses can visit www.backontrack.in.gov where they will be directed to the PPE marketplace.
All requests will be evaluated and fulfilled based on work environment risk profile, stock availability, and the number of outstanding requests. At times, partial or delayed fulfillment of requests may occur.
Where does the PPE come from?
The marketplace includes PPE manufactured and sourced in Indiana by companies like Cardinal Spirits distillery in Bloomington and Worldcell Extrusions in Elkhart County. More manufacturers are listed on the IEDC website.
What if the marketplace runs out?
The marketplace will continue to be replenished, but it should be used as a secondary source of PPE. Businesses should attempt to secure PPE from other sources before turning to the marketplace.