The Chester Countys Commissioners set up a $5M fund to establish the Main Street Preservation program. This program allows for grants of up to $25,000 for the county’s small businesses and agriculture enterprises impacted by COVID-19. Here to talk about it with us today is Marian Moskowitz, a recently elected Chester County Commissioner, Chair of the Board of Commissioners, and Chair of the Economic Development Council. Links * Main Street Preservation Grant Program* About Marian Moskowitz* Chester County website* Chester County business information* Getting Economic Assistance with Michael Grigalonis Show Notes Main Street Preservation Grant * The Board of Commissioners decided to take CARES money and put $5M towards the grant program.* It’s designed to help small businesses with revenue of $500,000 or less. * Grant is up to $25,000* Award money is based on location, expenses, amounts of assistance received already, and other factors* The County wants to help existing businesses stay open and in business, so that those businesses are ready to go as the county starts to open up. Apply: May 11th, 5am-9pm. Apply for the Main Street Preservation grant here. What kind information do businesses need to apply? * 2019 income statement, provide expenses and income details.* If you’re seasonal, they’ll look at the 2nd quarter of last year. * Businesses started in 2020 do not qualify. What has the county been doing since COVID-19 hit the USA (a brief timeline)? * The Chester County Health Dept. began monitoring the COVID-19 situation in February.* Once news came in, the County leadership came up with a plan, which was ready by March 13th. * The County held its first COVID-19 town hall on Mar 17th* The team at the County has worked hard to keep the local business community informed* March 19th – took over the management of health needs of Delaware Co too. * Last week, the County started a Business Task Force. * Designed to get input for reopening / repairing / restoring community* Core team* Chambers of Commerce, tourism groups, EDC* Advisory Team* Different industries* Restaurants, gyms, agricultural, etc.* Always good to have a think tank Is there a message that the county would like to share with local businesses? * In terms of preparation or sustainability, businesses should start thinking about the hard questions.* What does an employer do when an employee is afraid to come back to work? * One big thing is communication: Have real dialog with your staff because you’re all in this together. * Reach out and see how they’re doing. * They are the key to getting you back in business again.