Council Approves CARES Funds to Assist Businesses and Non-Profits with Economic Loss

Details on Round #2 of Delco Strong grants to be announced soon

Delaware County Council unanimously voted on June 17 to authorize the use of CARES Act funds to assist Delaware County businesses and non-profit organizations with economic loss and recovery due to COVID-19.

Recognizing the critical need to provide additional support to Delaware County’s local business community during the COVID-19 pandemic, Delaware County first launched the Delco Strong program in April. Administered in partnership with the Delaware County Economic Development Oversight Board, the Delaware County Planning Commission, the Redevelopment Authority of the County of Delaware, and the Delaware Valley Regional Economic Development Fund, eligible applicants could apply for up to $7,500. Grant proceeds may be used for rent, mortgage, utilities, and inventory.

In May, over 1000 business owners applied. Members of the Delco Strong Team are in the process of approving valid and qualifying grant applicants and notifying applicants. The first round of Delco Strong will award approximately 800 grants with over $6 million in funding.

Council’s vote on June 17 allows for a second round of Delco Strong Grants to be distributed. $14 million in grants is expected to be released to eligible businesses and non-profit organizations. The non-profit grant program will be administered by The Foundation for Delaware County.

Eligibility requirements and instructions for both the business and non-profit programs will be posted online.

Eligibility requirements and instructions will be posted online on June 24: https://delcostrong.delcopa.org/

Applications will be accepted over several days beginning on July 7. This is not a first come first serve program.

The Bringing Back Delco Task Force is hosting a free webinar on Friday, June 19 at 10am. The presentation will include information on the second round of the Delco Strong Grants, as well as information on the Paycheck Protection Program and the Main Street Program.

More details and a link to register can be found here: https://delawarepacoc.wliinc32.com/events/BusinessFunding%20Update%20and%20QA-56580/details