This post is paid advertising by Lebanon County Cares.
The Lebanon County CARES Act funding has been received. The application period for businesses to apply for funding opens its first phase Tuesday, September 1 and extends through Tuesday, September 15, 2020.
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act authorizes Lebanon County to provide grants to cover costs that are necessary expenditures incurred from the COVID-19 pandemic.
“These funds are intended to be used to support economic recovery and sustainability in our County,” said Robert J. Phillips, Chairman of the Board of Commissioners. “We approved three categories for the future dissemination of CARES Act funding. The categories are: Non-Profit, Tourism/Hospitality, and Small Business (less than 100 employees).”
Grant Block funds may be used to cover necessary working capital costs or for retrofitting expenses incurred (or to be incurred) until December 30, 2020. Working capital can include payroll, rent, mortgage interest, utility bills, cable, internet, phone, spoilage, PPE purchases, cleaning supplies, unemployment compensation costs, and other operating expenses, with the exception of owner compensation. The grant funds cannot be used to pay back loans to shareholders, partners, the sole proprietor, or family members. For non-profits, additional eligible expenses can include replenishing food pantries and the costs of increasing shelters. “We made it a priority to keep the grant general and open to those businesses that were the most vulnerable due to the closures,” said Commissioner and Secretary Jo Ellen Litz. “Hopefully, these funds will go a long way to keep them and our county open for business.”
The County Commissioners, with the assistance of Lebanon Valley Chamber of Commerce, Lebanon Valley Economic Development Corporation, Lebanon County Tourism Promotion Agency, and United Way of Lebanon County, established a program for how to best distribute a portion of the CARES Act Fund, such funds must be distributed by the December 30, 2020, deadline. The application timeline has been devised in two phases:
Program Timeline – Phase One
- September 1 – Grant application opens at 8:00 a.m.
- September 15 – Grant applications are due by 4:00 p.m.
- September 30 – Grant awards for round one will be announced
- December 30 – Deadline for spending grant funds
Program Timeline – Phase Two
- October 15 – Grant application opens at 8:00 a.m.
- October 30 – Grant applications are due by 4:00 p.m.
- November 15 – Grant awards for round two will be announced
- December 30 – Deadline for spending grant funds
Applicants are strongly encouraged to complete the application on line at www.lebanoncountycares.com. If you are unable to do so, download the application and mail your completed application with copies of all supporting documents in a single envelope or folder to: Garcia Garman & Shea, CPA, ATTN: Lebanon County Cares, 216 S 8th St., Lebanon, PA 17042. You may also deliver your application to Garcia Garman & Shea, CPA, any time using the secure drop slot on the left of the front door.
All applications must be received by September 15, 4:00 p.m. No late applications will be considered. Applications delivered by mail after September 15 will not be considered. Please make sure to allow ample time for postal delivery.
“Of course, the timeline is subject to change as we experience the volume of applications,” said Commissioner and Vice Chairman William Ames. “The bottom line is that we are dedicated to ensuring this important work is utilized in the ongoing recovery of our community. Our goal is to keep Lebanon open for business and thriving.
For more information, to apply or a list of Frequently Asked Questions, visit www.lebanoncountycares.com.
