City of Bethlehem Second Round of COVID-19 Small Business Assistance Grants

 
    Assistance is on the way! Today, Mayor Bob Donchez announced a second round of COVID-19 Small Business Assistance Grants. The City of Bethlehem received CARES Act funding in 2020 of which a large portion of the City’s funds has been allocated for small business assistance. The City will uses its CARES Act funding to award grants of up to $10,000.
 
     “As we continue to take necessary precautions to slow the spread of COVID-19, many of Bethlehem’s small businesses are experiencing additional strain, particularly now during the holiday season and heading into winter,” said Mayor Donchez. “I want the business community to know that we are fully committed to supporting them and their employees in the City as they navigate and persevere through this pandemic. By putting this federal funding to work, we can provide immediate assistance to those businesses hardest-hit by the pandemic,” he said.
 
     Following the Tuesday, December 15th Council meeting and forthcoming HUD approval, the COVID-19 Small Business Assistance Grant program will be advertised on the City’s website, business associations, and through other City partners. The grant program is intended to meet the urgent needs of businesses most impacted by recent restrictions, including restaurants and bars, retail operators, and entertainment businesses.
 
   The grants under the program will support those businesses facing drastic reductions in cash flow and the continued support of their workforce and may be used for working capital to support payroll expenses, rent, mortgage payments and expenses related to COVID-19. Thus far in 2020, the City, as part of the Small Business Emergency Relief Fund Program, has awarded $204,000 to 102 businesses.
 
    We encourage all businesses employing fewer than 50 employees and are struggling to stay open or reopen to apply. Financial need documentation will be required. Grant funding priorities include minority businesses and businesses located in the downtown and or low- and moderate-income areas of the City.
 
    All questions and or technical assistance needed for completing the grant application is handled by the City of Bethlehem’s Department of Community and Economic Development. A full list of grant requirements, required documentation, and grant application are forthcoming and will be posted on the City’s website and social media outlets.