Grant applications for hospitality businesses hurt by pandemic to open next week

Joseph Kohut, The Times-Tribune, Scranton, Pa.
·2 min read

Mar. 4—Some small businesses hurt by the coronavirus pandemic can soon apply for grants capped at $25,000, paid out of the money Lackawanna County received through the state's new COVID-19 Hospitality Industry Recovery Program.

After a unanimous vote during Wednesday's meeting, the county commissioners entered into an agreement with MetroAction — a nonprofit that serves as the Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce's business development arm — to administer the program. Applications will open Monday and will remain open for two weeks or until the program's funding is exhausted, according to MetroAction.

In February, the state earmarked $145 million to establish the program and disbursed more than $2.3 million to Lackawanna County.

Brenda Sacco, the county's director of planning and economic development, said during the meeting that they could assist anywhere between 175 to 190 businesses at an average of $12,000 per grant.

"MetroAction has always been a good partner and they understand our small businesses," Sacco said.

Individual grant amounts could range from $5,000 to $25,000, based on the applicant's gross revenue on their most recent tax return. Eligible businesses include restaurants, hotels and others in the hospitality and accommodation fields that operate in Lackawanna County, have fewer than 300 full-time employees and were adversely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The county said that businesses interested in applying should review the program guidelines available at metro action.org.

Gov. Tom Wolf on Tuesday announced that funding was provided to counties in the form of block grants based on population. Businesses would be eligible to apply for a maximum grant of $50,000, according to the state, but Sacco said the county program was capping it at $25,000 because they estimated that could provide assistance to 50 to 60 additional businesses.

In other business, the commissioners:

Ratified a professional service agreement between the Lackawanna County Area Agency on Aging and Skills in Scranton, the chamber's workforce development affiliate, to help place local college students in part-time positions at area pharmacies entering COVID-19 vaccination data into a state Department of Health computer system. Director Jason Kavulich said they've received more than 110 applicants so far.

Authorized the filing of a state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources grant application for a feasibility study geared at providing outlets for ATV riders in the county.

Approved a three-month extension of the county's contract with the Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic Temple. The county first contracted with them last year to use the space for jury selection amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The monthly rate for space rental, cleaning and internet access is $13,850.

Contact the writer:

jkohut@timesshamrock.com, 570-348-9100, x5187;

@jkohutTT on Twitter.