The Greene County Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to helping its business members during this challenging time. The following are resources that provide helpful information you may need to navigate through the current situation. We will be adding and updating this list as things develop.
Community Violence Prevention/Reduction Initiative
Eligible entities: All Eligible Community-based Organizations, Municipalities, and Institutions of Higher Education
PCCD Department: School Safety and Security Committee providing State School Safety and Security funds
Focus:
Projects that address violence in Pennsylvania’s communities. One aspect of Act 44 of 2018 provided for up to $7.5 million in funding for local efforts to reduce and/or prevent violence for certain specific purposes. These purposes include:
- Increasing access to quality trauma-informed support services and behavioral health care by linking the community with local trauma support and behavioral health systems;
- Providing health services and intervention strategies by coordinating the services provided by eligible applicants and coordinated care organizations, public health entities, nonprofit youth service providers and community-based organizations;
- Providing mentoring and other intervention models to children and their families who have experienced trauma or are at risk of experiencing trauma, including those who are low-income, homeless, in foster care, involved in the criminal justice system, unemployed, experiencing a mental illness or substance abuse disorder or not enrolled in or at risk of dropping out of an educational institution;
- Fostering and promoting communication between the school entity, community and law enforcement; or
- Any other program or model designed to reduce community violence and approved by the committee.
For FY20-21, the School Safety and Security Committee (SSSC) has prioritized applications that intend to utilize evidence-based or evidence-informed programs to reduce or prevent community-based violence (e.g., gun violence, gang violence, etc.) in areas identified with high-violent crime rates using Uniform
Crime Report offense data or similar local crime statistics. This prioritization does not preclude any other application for any other type of community violence prevention but does mean that applications collectively addressing these areas will receive priority in the review process.
Applications are due in PCCD’s Egrants System by November 10, 2020. Recommended applications will be approved at the January 2021 School Safety and Security Committee meeting, and all projects will have a targeted start date of February 1, 2021. For full application requirements, applicants are
encouraged to read and print the narrative funding announcement and use it as a guide to complete their applications in the Egrants System.
Return to Work Resources – August 9, 2020
Allegheny Conference on Community Development Return to Work Resources: https://www.readypittsburgh.com
- Had 25 or fewer full-time employees prior to February 15, 2020
- Have annual revenues of $1 million or less, and
- Were economically impacted by COVID-19
Hello Alice Business Resource Center – August 2, 2020
Running a business always has its challenges, but helming a professional services business right now? That’s a whole different story. That’s why Hello Alice is proud to share with you the latest evolution of our COVID-19 Business Resource Center, where we’ve broken down the must-have resources, programs, and how-to Guides for nine industries — including yours. The new Professional Services Industry Resource Center is designed to best prepare your business for the months ahead with how-to guides on subjects such as how to reopen your business safely and shore up your digital security. These Guides will be updated regularly, along with a comprehensive list of industry-specific resources.
DEP Funding for Small Businesses – August 2, 2020
The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) announced the availability of $1 million in grant funding to Pennsylvania small businesses and farmers for energy efficiency, pollution prevention, and natural resource protection projects through the Small Business Advantage grant program. New to the program this year is the opportunity for farmers to install solar pumping systems for their agricultural operations.
Eligible projects include adopting or acquiring equipment or processes that reduce energy use or pollution. Examples of eligible projects are HVAC and boiler upgrades, high-efficiency LED lighting, solvent recovery and waste recycling systems, and auxiliary power units deployed as anti-idling technology for trucks.
Pennsylvania-based small business owners with 100 or fewer full-time equivalent employees are eligible. Projects must save the business a minimum of $500 and 25 percent annually in energy consumption, or pollution related expenses. Businesses can apply for 50 percent matching funds of up to $7,000 to adopt or acquire energy-efficient or pollution prevention equipment or processes. Only costs incurred between July 1, 2020, and June 30, 2021, are eligible.
Applications will be considered on a first come, first served basis, and will be accepted until fiscal year 2020-21 funds are exhausted or April 12, 2021, whichever occurs first. All applications must be submitted through the Commonwealth’s Single Application for Assistance. Printed, faxed, and mailed applications are not accepted. The complete grant application package, which includes step-by-step instructions and instructional videos for completing the online application, is available by visiting the DEP Small Business Advantage Grant.
To contact the Small Business Ombudsman’s Office, call 717-772-5160 or email [email protected].
Hazard Pay Grant – July 19, 2020
Governor Wolf recently announced details of the $50 million Hazard Pay Grant for frontline workers in Pennsylvania. This is an excellent opportunity for companies and non-profit organizations to provide additional pay to workers in the medical, food, janitorial, transit and security industries. Applications are now being accepted through DCED’s Electronic Single Application System through July 31. Click here to apply.
Clarification and Guidance for the Restaurant Industry – July 19, 2020
In response to the mitigation tactics, PRLA is also working through their Restaurant Relief Priorities which can be viewed online at https://www.prla.org/
Join the Pennsylvania Restaurant Promise – It is a set of voluntary commitments a restaurant can make to their employees and customers during the COVID-19 recovery period. It is free to participate and promotion will be forthcoming from multiple sources across Pennsylvania. Read more and join the promise online at https://www.prla.org/
SBA Provided $20 Billion to Small Businesses and Non-Profits Through the Economic Injury Disaster Loan Advance Program – July 13, 2020
The U.S. Small Business Administration announced the conclusion and success of the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) Advance program, which provided U.S. small businesses, non-profits and agricultural businesses a total of $20 billion in emergency funding. In order to assist the greatest number of small businesses, the EIDL Advance provided $1,000 per employee up to a maximum of $10,000. Recipients did not have to be approved for a loan to receive the Advance, and the Advance provided an interim but vital source of funds while applicants awaited a decision on their loan application.
Having allocated the full $20 billion that was appropriated by Congress, SBA will discontinue making EIDL Advances to new applicants. By law, the SBA is not permitted to issue new EIDL Advances once all program funding has been obligated.
EIDL loan applications will still be processed even though the Advance is no longer available. As a reminder, the loan portion of the EIDL program continues to have funds available at very affordable terms, including a 3.75% interest rate for small businesses and 2.75% for non-profit organizations, a 30-year maturity, and an automatic deferment of one year before monthly payments begin. Every eligible small business and non-profit is encouraged to apply to get the resources they need.
Learn more about SBA’s disaster assistance
Small businesses now have more time to apply for Paycheck Protection Program loans – July 12, 2020
On July 4, President Trump signed legislation extending the application deadline from June 30 to August 8, 2020. That gives business owners an extra 5½ weeks to tap into the estimated $130 billion still available through the program, which allows small businesses to borrow up to $10 million without collateral, personal guarantees or fees. PPP loans also don’t have to be repaid to the extent that the money is used to cover the first 24 weeks of the business’s payroll, rent, utilities and mortgage interest. However, at least 60% of the forgiven amount must be used for payroll costs. Click here for more information.
Grant Program for Food Access – July 12, 2020
Governor Wolf announced $10 million in COVID ACT funds to improve food access. This is an ideal GRANT program for small, mid-size and large grocers! This program also is focused on rural areas and food deserts. The program will be overseen by the Department of Agriculture, and the application is available through DCED’s single application system. Applications are being accepted now and funds are available on a first come, first serve basis. For more information, contact Michael S. Roth, William Penn Fellow from PA Department of Agriculture | Office of the Secretary, 2301 North Cameron Street, Room 209 | Hbg PA 17110, Office: 717.787.6257, [email protected]. Click here to apply.
COVID-19 Relief Statewide Small Business Assistance Program – July 1, 2020
The COVID-19 Relief Statewide Small Business Assistance Program is now open. Pennsylvania small businesses with 25 or fewer full-time employees, have annual revenues of $1 million or less, and were economically impacted by COVID-19 are encouraged to apply for relief. Grant awards will range from $5,000 to $50,000. It is not a first-come, first-served program. There will be multiple rounds of application windows, and applications will be prioritized and selected for funding based on the program criteria. The first application window will open on June 30th and will remain open for ten business days. All eligible businesses must apply through a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) in the county that their business is located. Click here to learn more.
North Side Community Development Fund Assistance Program – July 1, 2020
The PA Small Business Assistance grant application is now live. This grant helps businesses that may have suffered losses due to COVID-19. Apply today at NSCDFund.org. Click here for more information.
PA Chamber Mask Press Release – July 1, 2020
Resource Guide: COVID-19 Philanthropic Recovery Funds – June 29, 2020
This guide includes potential funding sources that may assist your county in recovering from the COVID-19 emergency. There are several items that are available to a national and regional audience and also potential funding sources that are specific to Pennsylvania. Click here to view the guide.
Tourism & Recreation Development – June 28, 2020
The Tourism and Recreational Development created a video featuring Lisa Rager, executive director of Visit Johnstown, to share the viewpoints of the struggles and solutions with tourist attractions across the state. Click here to view.
SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loans and Advance Program Reopened – June 15, 2020
To further meet the needs of U.S. small businesses and non-profits, the U.S. Small Business Administration reopened the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) and EIDL Advance program portal to all eligible applicants experiencing economic impacts due to COVID-19 today. Click here for more information.
Let the SBA Help Your Business Successfully Navigate a Crisis Webinar Series – June 15, 2020
June – July | Multiple Dates and Times. Small businesses owners seeking information on successfully responding to the ever-evolving coronavirus pandemic while sustaining business operations are invited to attend the U.S. Small Business Administration’s (SBA) suite of classes offered throughout June and July. For dates, times, and registration information, contact the SBA’s Business Opportunity Specialist Marisa Fentzel at [email protected]
COVID-19 Relief Statewide Small Business Assistance Grants – June 14, 2020
All businesses must apply through an eligible Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI) and meet the program requirements which, at a minimum, include:
• The business was in operation on February 15, 2020 and if required paid income taxes to the state and federal government, as reported on individual or business tax returns.
• COVID-19 has had an adverse economic impact and makes this grant request necessary to support the ongoing operations of the applicant.
• The grant will be used cover COVID-19 related costs.
• During the period beginning on June 1, 2020 and ending on December 31, 2020, the applicant has not and will not receive another grant under this state program.
Eligible CDFIs can be found here: https://dced.pa.gov/
Guidelines and more info can be found here: https://dced.pa.gov/
PA Career Link Greene County Resource Guide – June 14, 2020
This guide information for job seeking, education opportunities, housing resources, financial assistance and much more! Click here to view guide.
Pennsylvania 30 Day Fund Small Business Loan – June 14, 2020
Pennsylvania businesses that qualify for assistance from the Fund are:
- Small businesses that employ three to 30 people;
- Based in Pennsylvania and have been operating for at least one year;
- Owned and operated by a Pennsylvania resident.
The funds dispersed to small businesses by the Pennsylvania 30 Day fund do not need to be repaid. If businesses who receive the Fund’s assistance do, at a later date, wish to “pay it forward” to another Pennsylvania small business in need of assistance, they may do so by directing those dollars back to the Fund, which will disburse the funding to another Pennsylvania business in need. Click here for more information and to apply.
US Chamber Resources – June 9, 2020
Customize a flyer to show the steps you are taking to ensure a safe environment. Click here to create yours!
US Chamber Reopening Guide – Click here to view.
Employee Questionnaire – Click here to view.
CARES Act/Payroll Protection Program – Updates & Planning Recommendations for Maximizing Loan Forgiveness & Tax Credits” with Cohen & Co. – June 9, 2020
Click here to view webinar.
Click here to view PowerPoint presentation.
Click here to view PPP Calculator.
Gov. Wolf Announces $225 Million Grant Program for Small Businesses Impacted by COVID-19 – June 8, 2020
The Governor announced a $225 million statewide grant program to support small businesses. The funding is part of $2.6 billion in federal stimulus funds allocated through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. This funding will help small businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic get access to funding that will help them get back to work in their communities. Click here for more information.
Guidance for Businesses in the Restaurant Industry – May 27, 2020
This guidance document addresses the procedures businesses in the restaurant industry must follow to limit the spread of COVID-19 to the extent they are permitted to conduct in-person operations. Click here to view the guide.
The Event Safety Alliance Reopening Guide – May 27, 2020
The Event Safety Alliance Reopening Guide is a collective work by event industry professionals to help our peers who are planning to reopen during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. Within the guide, reasonable foreseeable health risks and suggested options to address them are identified. The goal is to provide enough information so each user can make reasonable choices under their own circumstances. Click here to view guide.
Ready Pittsburgh Reopening Toolkit – May 18, 2020
Much of the Pittsburgh region moved to the yellow phase of reopening last week as stay-at-home orders begin to ease. To help our region, the Allegheny Conference on Community Development created a toolkit for organizations that contains best practice protocols and guides for various industries. You’ll find three buckets of information in this toolkit to prepare your organization, ready your workplace and help your workforce. Click here to view the toolkit.
WHS Occupational Medicine’s Employee Back to Work Checklist – May 18, 2020
Do you have employees returning to the office that will need a return to work exam or drug test? Or maybe they need to be fitted for a respirator mask? WHS Occupational Medicine can help! They have created a FREE resource for all local businesses to use. It’s an easy to use checklist to screen your employees as they return to the office. Download the checklist on their website: www.whs.org/occmed or contact WHS Occupational Medicine at (724) 223-3528.
Small Business Marketing Grant Available! – May 18, 2020
Thank you to the Greene Scene Magazine and Direct Results for offering a marketing grant for small businesses. and non-profits. Apply today!
Chamber’s Re-Invent Greene Resource Guide – May 14, 2020
Use this guide to help your business reopen. We include reopening ideas, helpful links and signage to use in your business. Click here to view our guide.
Chamber’s Re-Opening Preparation Guide – May 8, 2020
As your business prepares to re-open after COVID-19, consider these simple steps! Click here to view our guide.
Navigating the Road to Recovery – May 7, 2020
This document reviews ways that the Chamber can help your business navigate the road to economic recovery after a global pandemic. Click here to view document.
Verizon Wireless Business Solutions – May 7, 2020
Verizon Wireless is here to help your business through COVID-19. Click here to see how they can help.
My Benefit Advisor Solutions during the COVID-19 Outbreak – May 1, 2020
As the country continues to be impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak, employers and their employees have many questions on the potential impact. The following website is a hub for important client communication on the resources available to help you answer those questions. Click here for to view.
Re-Opening Marketing Materials – April 30, 2020
As our businesses begin to reopen, we are here and ready to help! We can quickly handle your business’s marketing needs in this unprecedented time of change. Whether it’s signs to say you’re open, banners to show your appreciation, new take-out menu’s, or a digital campaign to set yourself up for growth—we want to help our fellow small businesses survive right now, so that we can thrive together when this challenge passes. Curbside pick-up and no contact delivery are available. Please contact us if there is something that we can do to support you and your business. Click here for more information.
What do Post-Coronavirus Events Look Like? – April 30, 2020
The most pressing question on event professionals’ minds is what events will look like once the lockdowns have been lifted. The following article explore some potential scenarios of the aftermath of Covid-19. Click here to read the article.
Energy Savings with World Kinect – April 30, 2020
Now more than ever, businesses are trying to save money. Remember as a Chamber member, you receive this great benefit with World Kinect Energy Services. Click here for more information.
Template for Responsible Re-Entry – April 30, 2020
What does the new “norm” look like? Responsible Re-entry for a business should be as personalized as your mission statement, your culture, your work force and the type or size of your business will be considerations when writing a re-entry plan and when determining when to move on to the next phase. Use this guide to help create a re-entry plan for your business.
Retail Industry Leaders Association’s Guide for Business Re-Opening – April 27, 2020
Open for Business – A Blueprint for Shopping Safe: Click here to view guide.
Direct Results Offering Protective Barriers for your Business – April 24, 2020
As you prepare your business for reopening, you might be thinking of ways to protect your employees and your customers. Direct Results has you covered offering barriers and partitions to help protect everyone from virus-containing droplets. Options include: Protective Counter Barrier, Workplace Partitions, Vinyl Wall Barrier. Call Direct Results for more information at 724-627-2040.
Chamber’s Recovery Communication Guide – April 22, 2020
Keep your customers updated with any changes with your business and keep them engaged during this time! Click here to view our guide.
The Greene County Chamber seeks to provide access to recommendations, regulations, services and expertise to its members. During the COVID-19 pandemic, this mission remains constant. Prior to acting, members should consult their own professional advisors for information and counsel specific to the individual and unique situations faced by organizations, individuals and corporations. The opinions, interpretations and recommendations of the Greene County Chamber are informational only and should not be relied upon by the recipient as legal or professional advice. The Greene County Chamber makes no representations as to the accuracy or reliability of the content contained herein. Users of this information accept any and all risks associated with the use of such information and agree that the Greene County Chamber has no liability to user.