Montgomery County’s Public Health Emergency Grant (PHEG) program, which was created to help businesses that have demonstrated significant losses due to the COVID-19 health crisis, this week surpassed more than 1,200 applicants having already received funding, having been approved or in the approval process. Those grants represent more than $10.6 million in funding.
More than 6,700 applications were filed with the County during the application period of April 15-25. Reviews of the applications began immediately, with the County adding staff to the program to accelerate the process. Applications continue to be reviewed for grants that can be awarded of up to $10,000 per applicant.
As of Thursday, May 7, at noon, 1,205 applications had already been funded, had been approved or were in the process of being approved. Those awards represent $10,591,489 in grants. In addition, $333,270 in telework grant assistance to qualified applicants has been authorized.
The PHEG program was established through a partnership between County Executive Marc Elrich and the County Council to provide financial assistance to businesses and nonprofit organizations with 100 employees or fewer that have experienced a significant reduction in revenue due to the health crisis.
The program is funded with $25 million, with at least $10 million dedicated to restaurants and retail businesses.
Applications continue to be evaluated, with reviewers checking to see if applying businesses:
Because of limited County funds and overwhelming demand, Montgomery County is encouraging businesses throughout the County to explore other forms of Federal, State and local assistance that may be available. Resources to assist in this search include:
More information on the PHEG program is available at www.montgomerycountymd.gov/Biz-Resources/pheg/. Questions about the program should be directed to BizinfoCovid19@montgomerycountymd.gov.
For the latest updates, visit the County’s COVID-19 website and follow Montgomery County on Facebook @MontgomeryCountyInfo and Twitter @MontgomeryCoMD.