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Hundreds of small business owners in Philadelphia neighborhoods could get some of the funding secured by the federal coronavirus relief program, which is accepting applications through Friday (with some state aid). There is sex.
Minority-owned businesses in low-income areas that already suffer from above-average crime rates will receive priority grants of between $2,500 and $10,000 each.
Lee Nentwig, commercial corridor manager for the New Kensington Regional Development Corporation, said business owners are “feeling very isolated” and are often skeptical of government aid programs, which is why they are suffering from coronavirus infections. He said that challenges have continued since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Historically Disadvantaged Business Assistance Grant Program has a budget of $10.5 million and is a partnership between the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development and the statewide network of community development financial institutions.
Unlike some programs, there is flexibility in how the grant money is spent.
“It could be something as simple as not having the funds to deal with something over the years, like having to repair a leak that caused water damage to your business,” Nentwig said. “You might end up buying new equipment. It could be a barber shop looking to buy a new chair, or a warehouse wanting to serve hot food or needing a new refrigerator.”
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