County unveils 2023 Small Business Grant Program particulars

LOCK HAVEN, PA – Clinton County government has posted on the county website particulars for its recently announced Small Business Grant Program, a county effort to use some of its remaining federal ARP money to assist small businesses within the county.

The application form and eligibility guidelines are now available, and applications must be submitted to Kari Kepler in the county planning office no later than May 25.

A portion of the program guidelines, as shared by county government:

In response to the economic hardships experienced by small businesses resulting from the inflation, supply issues or other circumstance, Clinton County is launching the 2023 Small Business Grant Program in an effort to stabilize local businesses. This program is funded with money received from the ARP grant issued to Clinton County. As such, these funds come with requirements as described below.

Activity Type: Direct Financial Assistance to For-Profits Accomplishment

Type: Economic Stimulus This program offers grant financing for existing companies that can prove they have lost revenue or want to expand their business. It is also intended to support companies that want to open a new business, that can provide a business plan, an EIN#, and location of new business. Clinton County has structured this program to serve businesses that can meet the eligibility requirements. Eligible businesses may be awarded $10,000 in grant funds through the application verification process.

ELIGIBLE BUSINESSES • For-profit businesses registered and located within the Clinton County Jurisdictional boundaries. All the 29 municipalities in Clinton County. The location of the business will be considered the place of business administration and registration address.

• For-profit businesses with up to 100 employees at the time of application submission • For-profit businesses with less than $1 million in annual gross revenues

• Applicant is 51%+ majority owner of business

• Not a franchise • Owner is 18 years or older

• Owner has a valid Social Security or Employer Identification Number

• Owner/applicant is not currently in bankruptcy • Owner/Applicant is current with property taxes; OR Owner has a payment plan in place with their municipality as of May 25, 2023

• Business has or will have active liability insurance within 30 days of application

• Business does not have any conflict of interest with Clinton County Government or its program staff.

• Business is not listed on the Federal Debarred list

CLINTON COUNTY COMMISSIONERS 2023 SMALL BUSINESS GRANT Program Guidelines
INELIGIBLE BUSINESSES

• Have their physical location outside of Clinton County

• Are organized as nonprofit entities

• Engage in political activity as a business

• This grant program also excludes assistance to payday grant businesses, liquor and tobacco stores, pawn shops, firearms or other weapons dealers, adult entertainment venues, passive real estate investment firms, or homebased businesses operating without appropriate zoning permission and/or permits.

• A business that has received funding from Clinton County from another business assistance program.

GRANT TERMS • Maximum request: $10,000 • Payment on condition of submitting invoices, or income loss to the Planning Department. Funds will be disbursed by to the applicant for documented eligible project expenses. • Grantee will enter a subrecipient contract with Clinton County for the funding.

ELIGIBLE USES OF FUNDS Small Business Grant funding is restricted to certain eligible costs. Clinton County will review and assess the individual funding needs submitted with the application. The following are eligible:

• Payroll • Lost income

• Rent/Mortgage • Utilities

• Supplies or inventory • Equipment and software needed

• Insurance

• Accounting services

• Legal Services

• Engineering/Survey • Advertising

• Any other cost to running a business

INELIGIBLE USE OF FUNDS

Funds under this program may not be used to:
• Pay off non-business debt, such as personal credit cards for purchases not associated with the business

• Purchase personal items or finance personal activities not clearly and directly associated with the business • Finance political activities

• Pay fines, or child support • Support other businesses in which the applicant may have an interest

PROGRAM ADMINISTRATION
Date funds will be available: May 5, 2023 Application due date: May 25, 2023
Date by which all funds must be spent: September 29, 2023