Over $2 million in grant money will soon be available for businesses in the hospitality industry in Butler County.
The funds come from the latest state coronavirus relief bill, which will award businesses with up to $50,000 each.
“It’s really a nice way for the Governor to help restaurants across the state,” Butler County Tourism President Jack Cohen said. “And it’s not just restaurants, it’s hotels and other hospitality industries.”
Wolf made $145 million available to those industries after moving money set aside from state’s Workers Compensation Security Fund. It was made official after Senate approval in a bill co-sponsored by local state Senator Joe Pittman.
The county officially submitted their application to draw down the money on Thursday, and County Commissioner Leslie Osche says that money should be available soon.
“As far as the paperwork and applications, we can’t put those out until the state gives us the final approval and gives us the information they want to capture,” Osche said. “As soon as that information becomes available it will get posted.”
Osche says that when the money becomes available, businesses can visit the county website or other places like the Tourism Bureau or Chamber of Commerce.
Cohen added that any money at this point is welcomed for an industry that was hit hard by the pandemic, and still is suffering today.
“This is a very difficult time. We’re all trying our best to wait this out, but a lot of folks have payments between utilities, payrolls, mortgage and paying their bills,” Cohen said.
Cohen also said five businesses have closed because of lost revenue during the pandemic, four of which were restaurants.
“Some of them will not make it. And I’m sure we’ll pick up more before this is all over.”
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