Grants Available to Assist Local Businesses Directly Affected by Recent Mitigation Efforts
Online application window opens December 18
During its Dec. 16 public meeting, Delaware County Council unanimously voted to authorize CARES Act funding to further assist Delaware County businesses that have suffered loss from business interruptions due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The fourth round of funding, Delco Strong: Rapid Response is modeled after the Delco Strong, Delco Strong 2, and Delco Strong 3 grant programs offered in May, July, and November which distributed over $16 million to 1,428 local businesses and 130 local non-profit organizations. Delco Strong: Rapid Response will offer funding to Delaware County businesses directly affected by the Governor’s recent updated mitigation efforts which are in effect from December 12-January 4. The new mitigation efforts prohibit indoor dining, limit indoor and outdoor gatherings, and prohibit entertainment venues and gyms and fitness centers from operating.
“Our restaurants, bars, catering businesses, and gyms and fitness centers are suffering tremendously, and the latest mitigation efforts, while necessary in response to the dramatic increase of COVID-19 cases will hurt them even more,” said Delaware County Councilwoman Elaine Schaefer. “Delco Strong: Rapid Response allows us to continue to support these specific businesses even further. We know this has been crippling to many businesses and we are doing everything we can to help them get back on their feet and help them stay open and keep their staff employed.”
Council’s vote authorizes $ 4 million in additional Delco Strong grants to be distributed to eligible small businesses. Business owners can apply online beginning on December 18.
Delco Strong: Rapid Response provides a sliding scale of assistance to the Full-Service Restaurant/Tavern/Catering industry based on 2019 gross revenue and for those that have modified operations to remain open at a limited capacity during the three-week mitigation. Businesses are eligible for up to $40,000.