Union County Doubles Funding for COVID-19 Relief Grant Program for Small Businesses

 

The Union County Freeholder Board is doubling the amount of funds available to assist small businesses under the Union County Covid-19 Relief Grant Program. The Freeholder Board initially authorized the grant program on July 9 with $2 million in funding. The Board added another $2 million in funding during its regular meeting on Thursday, July 23 for a total of $4 million. The additional funding will emphasize certified minority/women/veteran/LGBTQ/disabled owned businesses.

“We added another $2 million to the program due to the overwhelming response we received to the initial grant offering, and the emphasis on certified minority/women/veteran/LGBTQ/disabled owners will help ensure that small businesses in Union County continue to reflect our diverse population as we seek to regain our economic footing during this time of crisis,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “Small businesses make key contributions to the Union County economy and to our quality of life, and their survival is vital to our recovery as a community.”

Union County received more than 750 applications from businesses meeting the eligibility guidelines in response to the first round of $2 million in funding. The guidelines include having 25 employees or less before the COVID-19 outbreak.

The Union County Covid-19 Relief Grant Program is funded by the COVID-19 Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act Federal relief fund.

Qualified businesses can receive up to $20,000 in assistance for three month’s rent, property mortgage, utility and insurance expenses through the COVID-19 Relief Grant program.

Questions about the grant program can be sent to dmesaros@ucnj.org.

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