Carlisle Borough Launches “COVID-19 Small Business Relief Grant”

Downtown Carlisle

The Borough of Carlisle, in collaboration with the Cumberland Area Economic Development Corporation (CAEDC) and the Redevelopment Authority of Cumberland County (RACC), is pleased to announce “Carlisle Borough’s COVID-19 Small Business Relief Grant”, a grant program funded through the CARES Act.

Earlier this year, the Borough of Carlisle was notified by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development of a special allocation of Community Development Block Grant funds (CDBG-CV) to be awarded to the Borough of Carlisle given its designation as a HUD entitlement community.  The allocation was authorized by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act).

After a series of required public meetings, the Borough’s outlined plan was sent to HUD. On July 24, 2020, the Borough received approval from HUD to fund those priorities outlined in the Borough’s plan at the levels recommended and a contract ratified during Council’s August Workshop Meeting.

According to Mayor Scott, “Throughout the pandemic, the small business community has been a key focus for Council.  One of the highest priorities for use of these funds was given to recovery strategies that could be implemented to facilitate and accelerate small business recovery.  As such, a large portion of the funding ($150,000) was earmarked to provide short-term capital to small businesses. Our hope is that the Borough’s grant funds can alleviate some of the financial burden and stress that our business community has seen during this pandemic.”

Deputy Mayor Shultz, who is a small business owner and has facilitated several discussions with other small business owners, emphasized the need for this vital funding and the community’s continued support of small business, “This is just one more piece of much-needed relief as our local businesses struggle for survival through this pandemic-induced economic crisis. I hope our residents, many of whom I know are also struggling, will continue to support our local businesses in every way they can whether by abiding by health guidelines in-person, making local online purchases, or through curbside pick-up and takeout. We will get through this together.”

Funds can be used for working capital to cover up to two months’ operating expenses such as payroll, rent, mortgage, supplies, PPE, technology and/or technical assistance to help navigate other loan programs or funding to help small business continue to meet CDC guidance on social distancing.

Cumberland Area Economic Development Corporation will serve as the primary point of contact and initial evaluator of the grant applications received.  The program’s guidelines and application can be accessed through CAEDC’s portal at: https://cumberlandbusiness.com/carlisle-cares-act-application/. Applications will be received through close of business on Monday, September 28, 2020.

In addition to undergoing an evaluation by CAEDC, applications will be reviewed by the RACC for HUD compliance.  A Grant Relief Committee comprised of two councilors, a borough staff representative, former small business owner, and banker will then review the grants.