This week the Worcester County Commissioners approved an outline for grants to businesses and agriculture producers affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. 
The program will be run through Worcester County Economic Development and will use $2.28 million in funds from the federal CARES act to award grants. Local businesses and agriculture producers are eligible for grants in varying amounts. Funds must be used for costs incurred since March of this year that are directly related to the pandemic. The County is forming a committee made up of local citizens with relevant experience and members of the Economic Development Advisory Board to review applications and make recommendations on funding awards.
From coverage in The Dispatch:
“Our office gets calls every day from various businesses struggling as it relates to COVID-19,” said Tom Perlozzo, the county’s director of recreations, parks, tourism and economic development. “It could be workforce, it could be PPE, it could be just making lease payments.” “In addition, there is a follow-up to make sure the CARES act funding was spent properly so it doesn’t come back on the county,” Perlozzo said. “It’s quite an undertaking and we want to make sure we have the correct expertise in developing the project.”
Applications will be accepted July 1-July 15. Grants of $5,000 will be available to businesses with 25 or fewer employees. Grants of $10,000 will be available for businesses with 26-50 employees while $7,500 grants will be available for agricultural producers.
