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LEHIGH VALLEY WEATHER

NORCO: Rescue Plan funds provide ‘lifeline’ for small businesses

Northampton County’s Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) announced that, in the first five rounds of Small Business Grants from American Rescue Plan funds, $7,860,375.53 has been distributed across 35 municipalities.

“Many of our businesses continue to struggle with the fallout of the pandemic,” says County Executive Lamont McClure. “These grants have provided a lifeline to keep the small business community afloat and healthy.”

Council approved allocation of $15 million from the American Rescue Plan for small business assistance grants in June. The County distributed $18 million to small businesses last year through CARES Act money. So far, a total of 1,337 Northampton County small businesses have received grants: 576 from ARP funds and 761 from CARES Act money.

Recipients include restaurants, dance studios, hair salons and retail stores. To qualify, a business must be located in Northampton County and have fewer than 100 employees. The funds can be used for rent, payroll and other operating expenses. The maximum grant amount is $15,000 per business. The application process will remain open as long as funds are available. Business owners can apply at the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce: https://www.lehighvalleychamber.org

Distribution of ARP Funds

Municipality Funding Amount

Allen Township $ 85,000.00

Bangor Borough $ 155,000.00

Bath Borough $ 58,600.00

City of Bethlehem $1,077,121.28

Bethlehem Twp. $ 406,083.00

Bushkill Township $ 155,352.00

Chapman Borough $ 15,000.00

East Allen Township $ 118,595.25

City of Easton $ 583,300.00

Forks Township $ 220,000.00

Freemansburg $ 1,068.75

Hanover Township $ 209,100.00

Hellertown $ 169,184.75

Lehigh Township $ 122,345.00

L. Mount Bethel $ 30,000.00

L. Nazareth $ 207,000.00

L. Saucon $ 162,000.00

Moore Township $ 111,000.00

Nazareth Borough $ 155,000.00

North Catasauqua $ 35,700.00

Northampton $ 120,529.00

Palmer Township $ 332,124.00

Pen Argyl Borough $ 134,340.00

Plainfield Township $ 161,920.00

Portland Borough $ 15,000.00

Rosetto Borough $ 52,000.00

Stockertown $ 15,000.00

Contributed article