The application deadline is Sept. 18 for Juniata County businesses and nonprofits to apply to receive part of a $2.2 million grant the county received to assist them with COVID-19 expenses.
The COVID-19 County Relief Block Grant (CRBG) is from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Securities Act (CARES Act), through the state Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED).
On behalf of the board, county Commissioner Alice Gray urged businesses and nonprofits to apply.
“We know those in our county are hurting. We opened this application window Aug. 17 and the deadline is quickly approaching. We want as many to apply as possible. This is crucial because these are not loans – they don’t have to be repaid,” Gray said.
SEDA-Council of Governments (SEDA-COG) is assisting the county by providing professional expertise and grant administrative services, as well as activity development and management to ensure accuracy and adherence with federal and state regulations.
Grants of $5,000 to $50,000 are available for small businesses and nonprofits that have been negatively affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Grants are available only for businesses and nonprofits with annual sales/revenues prior to March 1, 2020 of $1 million or less and have 25 or fewer full-time employees. Businesses and nonprofits must be based in and operate primarily in Juniata County, among other eligibility requirements.
Funds can be used for eligible costs from March 1 through Dec. 30, 2020 including payroll and healthcare costs, rent, utility payments, eligible working capital expenses, COVID-19 mitigation plans, sales revenue, and more.
To apply for the county’s grant programs, complete the appropriate forms at www.juniataco.org/covid-19-response/. Send the completed forms to Mike Hower at mhower@juniataco.org or PO Box 68, Mifflintown PA 17059.
For more information, contact Hower at the above email address or SEDA-COG’s Heather Kelly-Weisen at hkellyweisen@seda-cog.org.
As a community and economic development agency, SEDA-COG enhances the quality of life and economic advantage for residents and businesses in 11 central Pennsylvania counties through its vital partnerships and initiatives. SEDA-COG also is an advocate for the interests of its communities at the state and federal levels. For more information, visit www.seda-cog.org.