Howard County Executive Calvin Ball announced additional CARES Act funding through a second round of HoCo RISE business grants.
Howard County distributed more than $1.6 million through the first round HoCo RISE business grants to local restaurants, retail, farms, childcare, and hotels. All businesses that received grants in the first round will get a second round of funding through a streamlined process, ranging from $3,000-6,000, an increase from $2,500 in the first round of grants. The second round of grants are also open to new qualified applicants in the same sectors.
Howard County restaurants will also receive support from the $2.5 million allocated by Maryland’s Restaurant Relief fund, meaning restaurants will receive a minimum of $10,000 and up to $17,000 relief from these combined efforts.
Ball also announced Howard County Chamber of Commerce organizations with business memberships would receive $10,000.
Recertifications and applications for the grants are open through November 29 and can be accessed via the Howard County Economic Development Authority at www.hceda.org/c19grants.
“The Howard County Economic Development Authority is proud to be part of the Executive’s HoCo RISE initiatives,” said Larry Twele, CEO of the Howard County Economic Development Authority. “By supporting the business assistance grants, we will be getting more financial assistance to our small businesses who have been severely impacted by this pandemic and we are looking forward to supporting the work of the Collaborative as we work with local business leaders to provide insight and guidance on strategies for our local economy during this crisis.”
“The Howard County Chamber is once again proud to partner with the County Executive and the Howard County Economic Development Authority on the HoCo RISE Collaborative,” said Leonardo McClarty, President of the Howard County Chamber of Commerce. “As the Covid-19 virus continues to impact our community, it is important that business and government work together to develop processes that keep the economy open and employees and customers safe. We are also appreciative of the County Executive’s support of the Chamber through this latest round of grants. As an organization that was not eligible for federal relief due to our tax status, these funds are much appreciated and will be put to good use.”