The Times Herald (Norristown, PA)
Webinar will help businesses navigate $225 million business grant program
Grants are for small firms economically impacted by pandemic
UWCHLAN » The Chester County COVID-19 Business Task Force, in partnership with Chester County Economic Development Council (CCEDC) and Community First Fund, will host a webinar in the Restore Chester County Series on Friday, June 26, at 9 a.m. The webinar will focus on accessing the $225 million grant program for small businesses impacted by COVID-19.
Gary W. Smith, president and CEO of the Chester County Economic Development Council will provide opening remarks and facilitate a Q&A session. Dan Betancourt, CEO of Community First Fund (CFF), will be the featured speaker and provide view- ers with an overview of the grant program guidelines, the application process and eligibility criteria. Community First Fund is one of 17 Community Development Finance Institutions (CDFI) that will administer the $225 million program. The webinar is free, but registration is required in order to receive the Zoom link.
The statewide grant program was announced by Gov. Tom Wolf on June 8, to provide direct support to impacted businesses to cover operating expenses during the shutdown and the transition
SMALL BUSINESS
Dan Betancourt, CEO of Community First Fund (CFF), will be the featured speaker and provide viewers with an overview of the grant program guidelines, the application process and eligibility criteria. Community First Fund is one of 17 Community Development Finance Institutions (CDFI) that will administer the $225 million program.
to reopening. The funds will also pay to train and advise business owners as they relaunch their businesses, the governor’s office said.
“We need to provide assistance for those who were hurt by the pandemic and the resulting economic downturn,” Wolf said in a press release announcing the grant program.
The funding was developed in partnership with state lawmakers and allocated through the state budget, which includes $2.6 billion in federal stimulus funds through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, of which $225 million was earmarked for small business.