Lamont McClure and the Department of Community & Economic Development are issuing a report on the grants dispersed by the County to local small businesses.

“Grants to small businesses are the most direct form of economic help the County has been able to provide during the pandemic,” says Lamont McClure. “The pandemic, and its effects on our economy, aren’t over yet. That’s why I’m urging County Council to finish allocating the ARP funds they set aside to assist our small business owners.”

As of January 2022, Northampton County had distributed $10.7 million in CARES Act money to 767 businesses. County Council allocated $15 million in American Rescue Plan funds to this program in June 2021. So far, $12 million in ARP monies has been dispersed to 802 businesses with approximately $3 million still available for future grants.

Recipients have included restaurants, gyms, florists, dance studios, hair salons and retail stores across all municipalities.

Quotes from grant recipients:

“Thank you, Northampton County, for understanding the trials and tribulations of navigating woman-owned, arts-focused small businesses during the pandemic. Your grant monies helped us continue to offer high quality, safe and forward-thinking instruction to our students. Such support was essential to our ‘keeping doors open,’ as we were hit by a huge dip in student enrollment and an inability to perform live at traditional community and festival events. Although we are not back to pre-pandemic enrollment, we are slowly but surely moving in the right direction – in no small part due to the support of Northampton County.”
Quinlan Irish Dance in Easton, PA.

“I would like to thank the Chamber and Northampton County leadership for their continued support throughout the past two years. COVID has and still is posing challenges to small businesses throughout the County. Costs continue to rise, payroll is up, supply chain issues are a challenge, utility costs are up and every little bit helps us to keep our doors open. As a small business owner that has received grants through the County, I can’t stress enough, how much they have helped my business. So, on behalf of the Braveheart Highland Pub team, we are thankful to have your continued support.”
Andy Lee, Owner of Braveheart Highland Pub in Hellertown, PA.

To qualify for a grant, a business must be located in Northampton County and have fewer than 100 employees. The grants can be used for rent, payroll and other operating expenses. The maximum grant amount is $15,000 per business.

Applications are still being accepted and can be found on the DCED and at the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce websites.
https://www.northamptoncounty.org/CMTYECDV/Pages/Apply-for-Funding.aspx

https://www.lehighvalleychamber.org/norcogrants.html

Information provided to TVL by:
Becky Bartlett
Deputy Director of Administration
Northampton County Government Center
669 Washington Street
Easton, PA 18042
https://www.northamptoncounty.org/

 

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