Twenty-four small businesses in the four-county region will receive state grants from the second round of funding for businesses that were impacted by the business closure order during the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to the governor’s office, 8 businesses in McKean County will receive grants, as will 5 in Cameron County, 6 in Elk County and 5 in Potter County.
While business names and grant amounts will not be available until agreements are signed and funds are disbursed, the state Department of Community and Economic Development has released a list of the first-round recipients.
In the first round, seven McKean County businesses received a cumulative total of $130,000. Five Elk County businesses received a total of $25,000. Five Cameron County businesses received a total of $90,000. Five Potter County businesses received a total of $80,000.
According to the DCED, Bradford Brew Station in Bradford received $35,000; Lightwaves Engraving and Gift Shop in Smethport received $5,000; Man’s World in Bradford received $20,000; Michelle’s Flair for Hair in Bradford received $20,000; Salon 23 in Bradford received $5,000; Smethport Diner received $20,000; and Econolodge in Bradford received $25,000.
In Cameron County, Alpaca Creations of Emporium received $5,000; Driftwood Saloon & Grill in Driftwood received $25,000; Good Real Estate in Emporium received $10,000; Horning Paint in Emporium received $15,000; and Pizza Palace Plus in Emporium received $35,000.
In Potter County, Sweden Valley Inn in Coudersport received $25,000; Cooneys Redline Muscle Company in Austin received $5,000; Germania Hotel in Galeton received $20,000; Hotel Crittenden in Coudersport received $25,000; and Shear Love in Austin received $5,000.
In Elk County, each recipient was granted $5,000: Caruso’s Barber and Salon in Weedville, Therapeutic Massage in St. Marys, Peaces of Me Wellness Studio in Ridgway, Susan Klase Family Day Care in Ridgway and Trillium Scenic in Ridgway.
On Monday, Gov. Tom Wolf announced that $96 million in state grants was approved for 5,373 small businesses in the second round of funding.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a lot of hardship for our business community, and it has been particularly difficult for Pennsylvania’s small businesses to weather the economic effects of this crisis. Pennsylvania’s small business owners are community-focused employers, and they drive our economy, so they deserve our support as we continue to navigate this public health crisis,” Wolf said. “As we seek to recover, and rebuild our economy following the downturn caused by this pandemic, it’s critical that we provide opportunities for these businesses to recover and rebound, and this funding will provide much-needed support for businesses in communities across the state.”
The DCED distributed the funds to the Pennsylvania Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs), which are administering the grants.
