Governor Wolf recently announced the establishment of a hospitality industry focused grant program.

As a result, $145 million in funding will be distributed to all 67 Pennsylvania counties through the COVID-19 Hospitality Industry Recovery Program to help support the commonwealth’s hospitality industry.

Funding will be provided through population based block grants to be allocated by February 28.  The program requires counties to establish grant programs for eligible businesses through CEDOs (Certified Economic Development Organizations) or CDFIs (Community Development Financial Institutions).  Grants will be awarded in $5,000 increments with a $50,000 maximum.

Join Brinker Simpson & the Delaware County Commerce Center at 10am on March 2nd for a COVID19 Update webinar.  The panel will provide more details about Delaware County’s application process for the Hospitality Grants and an update on other forms of federal and state relief. 

REGISTER HERE.

CEDOs or CDFIs must begin accepting applications from businesses by March 15.

Program guidelines are available on the Department of Community and Economic Development’s (DCED) website.

A business is eligible if:

  • NAICS designation within the Accommodation subsector (721) or Food Services and Drinking Places subsector (722) and where accommodations, food or drink is served to or provided for the public, with or without charge
  • < 300 employees
  • Net worth <$15 million
  • It was in operation on February 15, 2020 and remains in operation; does not intend to permanently cease operations within one year of the date of application
  • COVID-19 has had an adverse economic impact on the eligible applicant which makes the grant request necessary to support the ongoing operations of the eligible applicant

Priority will be given to applicants that:

  • Have not received a loan or grant issued under the authority of the commonwealth or the commonwealth’s political subdivisions or by the federal government;
  • Were subject to closure by the Governor’s disaster declaration; or
  • Can demonstrate one of the following:
    • A reduction in gross receipts of 50 percent or more for the period beginning after March 31, 2020, and ending before December 31, 2020, in comparison to the period beginning after March 31, 2019, and ending before December 31, 2019.
    • If the eligible applicant was not in operation during the entire comparison period, but was in operation on February 15, 2020, a monthly average reduction in gross receipts of 50 percent or more for the period beginning after March 31, 2020, and ending before December 31, 2020, in comparison to the period beginning after January 1, 2020, and ending before April 1, 2020.

Businesses with questions or concerns should contact their local county offices, CEDO, or CDFI for more information.

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Disclaimer: This alert is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Information contained in this communication is not intended or written to be used as tax advice & cannot be used by the recipient to avoid penalties imposed under the Internal Revenue Code. We strongly advise you to seek professional assistance concerning your specific issue(s).

SOURCE: https://www.governor.pa.gov/newsroom/governor-wolf-announces-145-million-in-hospitality-relief-funding-ready-for-distribution-to-pennsylvania-counties/