WEST CHESTER — A grant program created at the request of the Chester County Commissioners provides funding for small businesses and agricultural enterprises in the county that were unable to take advantage of any federal and commonwealth existing COVID-19 response programs. Grants of up to $25,000 will be available to all eligible businesses through the Chester County Main Street Preservation program. The County has set aside $5 million for the program.
“Our reason for this program – its purpose – is right there in the name,” said Chester County Commissioners’ Chair Marian Moskowitz. “Preservation of Chester County’s main street businesses is a crucial part of our economic recovery and we are determined to do all that we can to make sure they survive the impact of COVID-19.”
The application and award process for the competitive grant program will be administered by the Chester County Economic Development Council (CCEDC) with support from County government departments.
Initial eligibility requirements for Chester County’s Main Street Preservation grants include for-profit small businesses and agricultural enterprises formed and active in 2019 or earlier, with annual revenues of $500,000 or less. The businesses must also be physically located and headquartered in Chester County.
“We understand the importance of funding for small businesses during this unprecedented time, and we have the financial wherewithal to support it,” Chester County Commissioner Josh Maxwell said. “We also appreciate that many small business owners are in a particularly tenuous situation, so worked with the Economic Development Council to ensure the process of applying for a grant is as quick and straightforward as possible.”
To assist in the application process, the CCEDC is hosting a live webinar on Thursday, May 7th, at 10:00 a.m., for all business owners who are eligible for a grant. Full details regarding the application process and eligibility requirements for the Main Street Preservation grant program will be discussed during the webinar. Information on the grant program, as well as instructions to join the webinar on May 7th, are available on the CCEDC website, https://ccedcpa.com/mainstreet/ and on the Chester County Government website, www.chesco.org. All eligible small businesses and agricultural enterprises are invited to submit a grant application on Monday, May 11th between the hours of 5:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. Applications must be submitted during this time frame to be considered.
“Chester County has always valued the contribution of small businesses to our overall economy,” Chester County Commissioner Michelle Kichline commented. “Over the years, we have invested more than $68 million in building up the infrastructure and appearance of our main streets through our Community Revitalization Program. This grant program is an equally important investment in the small businesses that reside on our Main Streets, but that haven’t yet received financial support to keep going despite COVID-19.”
