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FRANKLIN

By Jay Brenchick

Through Southampton County funding from the CARES Act, Franklin Southampton Economic Development Inc. (FSEDI) is distributing a Reimbursable Grant to assist with the financial burden of COVID-19.

The CARES Act Small Business Grant is a one-time financial assistance program for eligible, for-profit Southampton County small businesses (fewer than 50 full-time employees as of March 24, 2020) to reimburse the costs of business interruption directly or indirectly related to Gov. [Ralph] Northam’s Executive Order 53. Grants are available for an amount up to $5,000 per business.

To be eligible for funding, one must operate a for-profit business with a brick-and-mortar location in Southampton County. A business can request funding assistance to cover fixed-cost expenses, (rent, power bill, etc.) any marketing efforts or funding for various PPE equipment. The grant application opens at 9 a.m. on Oct. 12. Program funds are limited and issued on a first-come, first-served basis. The application link can be found on both the FSEDI website, www.fsediva.com, and Facebook page. If approved, FSEDI will email the business requesting the receipt of the payment(s). The receipts for reimbursement must be submitted by Dec. 31.

If you have any questions, please call FSEDI staff at 562-1958.

JAY BRENCHICK is president and CEO of the Franklin Southampton Economic Development Inc.