Long-awaited relief is on the way for Pennsylvania business owners in an industry that has been hit hard by the global pandemic. Restaurants, bars and other hospitality businesses that were negatively affected by COVID-19 can apply for immediate relief through the COVID-19 Hospitality Industry Recovery Program (CHIRP). The funds available through this new, $145 million state grant program are targeted to businesses with fewer than 300 employees that have lost at least 25% of their sales as a result of the restrictions put in place by Governor Tom Wolf.
Grants of up to $50,000, which are intended to alleviate revenue losses and pay eligible operating expenses due to the pandemic, will be distributed through county economic development organizations and lenders. Eligible businesses seeking a relief grant should contact the county in which the business is located. Allegheny County, which will will receive $13.7 million of the state funds, will open its portal for applications at noon on March 15, 2021.
Though applications are not yet live, business owners should be looking at the information already made available to them online. Potential applicants can find eligibility details and documentation requirements, frequently asked questions, and a link to subscribe to program updates at the Allegheny County CHIRP website.
Becoming familiar with the qualifications as early as possible is important due to the limited amount of funds available and the expected rush of applications. We encourage any business owner in this industry, in any county of Pennsylvania, to reach out to Grossman Yanak & Ford LLP at 412-338-9300 to further discuss the details further and see if your business qualifies.
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