Delaware Gov. John Carney and the Delaware Division of Small Business announced a new round of relief funding – $26 million to support small businesses most affected by coronavirus restrictions.
The DE Relief Grant program – funded by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act – has issued grants to 3,000 Delaware businesses throughout the Covid-19 crisis with more than $180 million funding.
Also, on Monday, $10 million in relief funding for Delaware arts organizations was announced. The State of Delaware will provide $5 million, with another $5 million in matching contributions.
“Small businesses continue to make sacrifices that will help get us through this crisis and beat Covid-19. We owe them our support,” said Carney. “Hope is on the way with the vaccine. But we continue to face a difficult winter. Let’s do what works. Wear a mask. Don’t gather with friends or family outside your household. Stay vigilant, and we’ll get through this.”
The additional funding announced on Monday will provide a bonus of 20 percent for all DE Relief Grant recipients.
Hospitality businesses, including restaurants and bars, will receive an additional 30 percent bonus, bringing their total bonus award to 50 percent of the value of their original grant.
Restaurants have restrictions on occupancy after coronavirus cases surged in the state/
This is the third time that a bonus award has been given to grant recipients, although this is the first award for all recipients. Earlier bonuses focused on particularly hard-hit industries.
Relief funding for not-for-profit arts organizations will cover 35 percent of those organizations’ 2019 operating expenses, up to $300,000.
“The arts are a critical sector of the Delaware economy, and one we can’t replace. Arts organizations have been very hard hit by the pandemic. This funding will help them survive through the winter,” said Carney. “I want to thank Delaware’s philanthropic community, particularly Tatiana and Gerret Copeland and the Longwood Foundation, for leading the way in matching these CARES Act funds.”
Congress is nearing approval of a stimulus package that may lead to changes in the state’s assistance programs for businesses, allowing assistance to be provided into the new year. Businesses that want to stay on this can visit delbiz.com/relief, where any updates to the DE Relief Grant program will be announced.
