New grant program to provide hospitality industry relief

A new grant program, the COVID-19 Hospitality Industry Recovery Program (CHIRP), will assist local businesses in the hospitality industry that were affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

In December, Gov. Tom Wolf asked the state legislature to transfer $145 million for the program, and the legislature approved the request.

“Over the past year, the COVID-19 pandemic has posed a threat to our health, our safety, our physical, emotional, and financial well-being,” said Dennis Davin, Department of Community and Economic Development secretary. “Our small businesses, particularly those in the hospitality industry, have been disproportionately hurt by the pandemic. This program was designed to provide the critical help this industry needs, and over the next couple of weeks, counties will get this money into the hands of Pennsylvania’s small business owners.”

Each county will administer the funding through one or more designated Certified Economic Development Organization or Community Development Financial Institution, and the application period must begin by March 15.

Block grants will be provided based on county population and awarded in $5,000 increments up to $50,000.

To be eligible, a business must have fewer than 300 full-time equivalent employees, a maximum tangible net worth of no more than $15 million, and was in operation on Feb. 15, 2020, and remains in operation.