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Wednesday, December 16, 2020

Bethlehem to Offer Second Round of Small Business Grants ... Eventually

Bethlehem Mayor Bob Donchez has announced a second round of COVID-19 Small Business Assistance Grants for awards of up to $10,000.

According to a news release, the program should be posted on the city website, but I don't see it. That's a strange way to respond what the city itself proclaims is an "urgent need." That really should be available NOW, not in a few months. 

The city has thus far awarded $204,000 to 102 businesses. 

Businesses must employing fewer than 50 employees and be struggling to stay open or reopen to apply. Financial need documentation will be required. For reasons that elude me, priority is given to minority businesses and those located in the downtown and or low- and moderate-income areas of the City.

It would seem to me that if you're struggling and just happen to be white, you should be just as eligible as anyone else. 

According to the release, "All questions and or technical assistance needed for completing the grant application is handled by the City of Bethlehem’s Department of Community and Economic Development. A full list of grant requirements, required documentation, and grant application are forthcoming and will be posted on the City’s website and social media outlets."

This should be posted now, not after the new year. 

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6 comments:

  1. AnonymousDecember 16, 2020 at 6:38 AM

    Must grant applicants be related to city employees or is that simply a preference?

    ReplyDelete
  2. AnonymousDecember 16, 2020 at 11:11 AM

    How many of the awardees so far are connected with Donchez or one o his cronies? Can some post the link to the list of recipients?

    ReplyDelete
  3. Bernie O'HareDecember 17, 2020 at 8:37 AM

    My guess is none. While I am critical of Bethlehem for closing its offices and being slow, I have high regard for Bob's personal integrity and have seen evidence of it several times. I appoint you to scour the city council minutes for the list of businesses, after which you can report back here.

    ReplyDelete
  4. AnonymousDecember 18, 2020 at 10:10 AM

    give the minorities the grant money and raise the white folks taxes that what your friend Bob THe Don..does sooner or later he will be sitting next to fed ed take note you will see!!!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  5. hound dogDecember 19, 2020 at 5:44 AM

    it should ONLY go to business`s. NOT townships!

    ReplyDelete
  6. AnonymousDecember 19, 2020 at 1:02 PM

    Here is the link to where you can fin the guidelines:
    https://www.bethlehem-pa.gov/Community-Economic-Development/Small-Business-Emergency-Relief-Fund

    See below for who is included as Ineligible Businesses :
     Businesses that are not physically located in the City of Bethlehem;
     Businesses that are not current on all taxes and fees owed to the City of Bethlehem;
     Businesses that are engaged in any illegal activity;
     Non-profit or religious organizations;
     Private clubs and political associations;
     Financial business primarily engaged in the business of lending, such as banks and
    finance companies;
     Life insurance companies;
     Real estate companies;
     Government-owned entities or elected official offices;

    So far there is no list that I have found posted of companies which have received grants. Makes me wish though that I would have created a company two years ago when I was going to.

    ReplyDelete

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