The application window will open on Aug. 31 for Lycoming County small businesses to apply to receive part of a grant the county received to assist them with COVID-19 expenses.
Applications for the COVID-19 County Relief Block Grant (CRBG) funds will be accepted from Aug. 31 through Sept. 18.
The county received a $10.2 million CRBG grant from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Securities Act (CARES Act), through the state Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED). The commissioners dedicated $1 million of that grant for small business relief.
Grants of $5,000 to $50,000 are available for small businesses in the county that have been negatively affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and related statewide business closure. The funds do not have to be repaid.
Grants are available only for businesses with annual sales/revenues prior to March 1, 2020 of $3 million or less and have 100 or fewer full-time employees.
Funds can be used for eligible costs from March 1 to Dec. 30, 2020 including operating costs, rent, mortgage interest, utility payments, eligible capital expenses, COVID-19 mitigation plans, food loss, outdoor dining equipment, and more. Invoiced documentation is required.
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.
County Commissioner Scott Metzger said the county recognizes the severe economic impact of the pandemic and they are using these funds to help businesses.
“We know that businesses are hurting, and we are using this grant to help businesses start to recover from their financial hardships,” Metzger said.
Fully completed applications are due by 11:59 p.m. on Sept. 18 via email or fax. Mailed forms must be postmarked by Sept. 18.
Three virtual Zoom meetings will be held on Sept. 2 for small businesses to learn more about the programs and to ask questions:
8 a.m.
https://lycomingcountypa.zoom.us/j/92653202503
Meeting ID: 926 5320 2503
Call-in: 1-267-831-0333
U.S. Toll-free: 833-548-0282
1 p.m.
https://lycomingcountypa.zoom.us/j/95875729507
Meeting ID: 958 7572 9507
Call-in: 1-267-831-0333
U.S. Toll-free: 833-548-0282
6 p.m.
https://lycomingcountypa.zoom.us/j/97694017821
Meeting ID: 976 9401 7821
Call-in: 1-267-831-0333
U.S. Toll-free: 833-548-0282
More information and applications are available at www.lyco.org/covidrelief. Send the completed form to the Williamsport/Lycoming Chamber of Commerce at sbrf@williamsport.org or fax at 570-321-1209 or mail to 102 W. 4th St., Williamsport, PA 17701.
For more information, contact the Williamsport/Lycoming Chamber of Commerce at sbrf@williamsport.org or 570-326-1971 or SEDA-COG’s Kristen Moyer at kmoyer@seda-cog.org or 570-522-7212.
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.
