Henry County is taking applications from small businesses and non-profits hoping to get financial help from the impact of the coronavirus.
The south metro Atlanta community has about $5 million in federal CARES Act funding it plans to use to help companies and organizations that had unexpected expenses because of the pandemic, including the shutdown of most operations to slow the spread of the virus.
“This is an amazing thing that has happened in the county today, with $2.5 million going to businesses and $2.5 million going to the non-profits that will help citizens in our community,” Commissioner Dee Clemmons said.
Henry leaders said they plan to set aside 60% of the $5 million for reimbursement to non-profits and small businesses. The county will get the remaining 40% for its’ coronavirus-related expenses.
Reimbursements will be distributed for employee costs related to the virus that were not budgeted, COVID-19 testing, food delivery to elderly and vulnerable populations, non-profit assistance and acquisition of medical and protective supplies for public health and safety workers. Grants for small businesses also will be available through the funds.
Recipients will get up to $10,000 if eligible, county leaders said. Eligible costs must have incurred between March 1 and Dec. 30, 2020.
There is no application deadline, but leaders encouraged residents to move quickly.
“We will receive applications until the funding runs out,” County Manager Cheri Hobson-Mathews said.
Applications for the money are available at the Henry County government website and will be vetted through the Henry Grant Department. For more information contact Nathifa Cunningham at 770-288-6541.
