Members of the Erie County Legislature’s Minority Caucus are proposing a relief package for small businesses recovering from COVID-19 losses throughout Erie County.  The proposal would use $22 million in CARES Act funding to be divided among businesses in each of Erie County’s 11 legislative districts.

Erie County has approximately $100 million remaining in CARES Act funds. If that money isn’t spent by the end of the year, it is returned to the federal government. Qualifying businesses would receive grants between $5,000 and $20,000 in adherence with the following restrictions:

• Applicants must be located within Erie County

• Applicants should have a three-year average annual revenue of $7.5 million or less

• Applicants must prove lost revenue beginning no earlier than March 2020

The proposed relief package mirrors efforts in counties across the United States. Legislators have sent a letter to County Executive Mark Poloncarz and Legislature Chairwoman April Baskin outlining their proposed program.

Minority Leader Joe Lorigo said, “Small businesses in Erie County desperately need our help. If the County doesn’t formulate some sort of relief package, many business owners risk having to close their doors permanently. These establishments are in dire need of assistance and we can’t waste an opportunity to put remaining CARES Act funds to use in a way that helps them stay afloat. As the leaders in Erie County government, I am calling on County Executive Poloncarz and Chairwoman Baskin to come to the table with the Legislature to work on a plan as soon as possible. I look forward to finalizing a relief package and working to support small businesses throughout my legislative district and all of Erie County.”

Legislator Frank Todaro said, “As a small business owner, I have experienced the challenges created by COVID-19. I have also spoken with other business owners throughout my legislative district that are struggling to survive and looking for help. As legislators, we need to collaborate on a plan that will help these small businesses survive. We are willing to work together with all parties necessary to get a relief package up and running as quickly as possible.”

The proposed relief package would make grant applications available by October 1^st with an application deadline of October 15^th. An approving agency or department to be determined would then submit all award recommendations to the Erie County Legislature by November 1^st. Any businesses in which any county elected official or their immediate family has any ownership interest in would not be eligible for funding.