Kane Mayor Brandy Schimp issued a reminder Thursday regarding today’s deadline for a Business Exemption Waiver.
According to Schimp, “Any local businesses that were ordered to close under the non-life sustaining order and believe that they could help mitigate the COVID-19 crisis or provide essential services, must apply for a waiver. After 5 p.m. (today), the submission period will be closed.”
Schimp also noted that applications for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) can begin today.
“The (PPP) is an SBA loan that helps businesses keep their workforce employed during the COVID-19 crisis. It is a loan designed to provide a direct incentive for small businesses to keep their workers on the payroll. The SBA will forgive loans if all employees are kept on the payroll for eight weeks and the money is used for payroll, rent, mortgage interest, or utilities.
“Applications can begin on April 3rd and will be available through June 30, 2020,” Schimp said via a release. “This program is for any small business with less than 500 employees (including sole proprietorships, independent contractors and self-employed persons), private non-profit organization or 501©(19) veterans organizations. Businesses in certain industries may have more than 500 employees if they meet the SBA’s size standards for those industries.”
Schimp noted that those interested should visit www.sba.gov/funding-programs for details and an application.
Schimp also discussed efforts related to feeding those in the area in need during the current pandemic. She noted that on March 27, a total of 132 families were served by the Kane Area Food Pantry, which was an increase of 35 families over the most recent number served. According to Schimp, all food was boxed ahead of time to protect clients and staff, volunteer workers placed the boxes into clients’ trunks and social distance was able to be maintained.
Many people have expressed an interest in helping the Food Pantry restock shelves. The McKean County Commissioners note that at this time, individuals are asked not to make direct food donations to individual pantries, in order to reduce contact. Anyone wishing to make a financial contribution to the Kane Area Food Pantry, may mail it to PO Box 744 in Kane or drop it in the mail slot at St. Callistus Rectory on the corner of Haines and Chase streets.
Finally, Schimp noted that in order to try to meet the anticipated increase in clients for the April 24 distribution, it is asked that if you are planning to come in April and did NOT come in March, please call either 814-561-1145 or 814-598-6162.
