Plan directs $10M for small business help

In his annual State of Northampton County address, County Executive Lamont McClure said he would direct $10 million into grants to help small businesses continue to weather the devastation wrought by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Last year, the county floated $10 million to 767 small businesses thanks to funding from the first coronavirus relief package passed by Congress. For some businesses, the money meant the difference between keeping the lights on and a permanent closure, McClure said in his address Tuesday.

McClure said his administration plans to repeat those efforts this year, making $10 million from the most recent relief package available for more small business grants. He urged residents to shop local, stressing that their support is as crucial as any government effort.

“The pandemic won’t last forever, but its economic impacts will be extended if we have to rebuild our shops, stores and services from scratch. So please support them now so they can serve us later,” McClure said.

In his 13-minute speech, McClure reviewed the work his administration has done over the last year, ranging from assisting seniors with social distancing and getting vaccinated, investing in parks and open space, and hosting the high-turnout 2020 election. The county achieved this without raising taxes, which haven’t gone up since 2015.

But like most things over the past year, the coronavirus dominated the speech. Despite shutting their doors early to visitors and volunteers, the pandemic still swept through Gracedale nursing home and the Northampton County Jail. In an effort to slow the spread, the county offered employees a $750 bonus if they agreed to be vaccinated. Almost half of the staff at Gracedale has done so. McClure said 87% of Gracedale residents have been vaccinated as well.

With in-person events on hold, the county took steps to help residents stay connected online. A $650,000 portion of the first relief package helped every school district in the county obtain internet access for students in need. The Area Agency on Aging started a tablet lending program, helping seniors stay in touch with loved ones and letting them remotely access exercise classes and wellness courses.