Legislation soon to be introduced in the state House of Representatives would extend COVID-19 Relief Statewide Small Business Assistance to businesses ineligible for previous COVID-19 assistance, which includes businesses that opened during the pandemic.
Businesses that opened after January 2020 were ineligible for assistance through various grants intended to offset the effects of COVID-19.
Many of the businesses opened before the full effects of the pandemic and also were adversely affected.
State Rep. Robert Merski (D-Erie County) seeks co-sponsors for legislation establishing the COVID-19 Start-Up Business Grants program. The program would establish county block grants that would be awarded to eligible applicants that began operating between Jan. 1, 2020, and Dec. 31, 2021. Grants would be awarded in amounts up to $15,000.
“The pandemic has impacted all businesses in Pennsylvania, no matter how long they have conducted business,” Merski said in a memo to fellow House members. “We must ensure no local businesses are left behind due to the date they began operation. I ask that you join me in this important.”
The COVID-19 Relief Pennsylvania Statewide Small Business Assistance program provides grants ranging from $5,000 to $50,000. This includes $25 million for loan payment deferment and loss reserves.