Bucks Co. Small Business Grant Applications Open

BUCKS COUNTY, PA — Bucks County now is accepting applications for a second round of grants to help small businesses hurt by the coronavirus pandemic and shutdown.

The Bucks Back To Work small business grant is a $30 million program funded by the federal CARES Act. Applications will be accepted between 8 a.m. Monday and 5 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 18. Digital applications are preferred, but paper applications will be accepted from businesses that show a need for one, county officials said.

"With this new round of grants, the Bucks County commissioners aim to expand economic support to our vital small business community as they navigate this pandemic," said Commissioner Bob Harvie. "These grants are part of a broader county effort to keep residents, workers and visitors healthy, and keep our small businesses secure."

Commissioners have expanded eligibility requirements to include franchises and affiliated businesses. Officials estimate that more than two-thirds of local businesses now may qualify for relief under the program, up from 30 percent under original guidelines.

Applicants must be for-profit businesses that have operated in Bucks County under the same owner since at least 2018. They must have annual gross revenue of $2 million or less, with primary headquarters and operations physically located in Bucks County.

Nonprofits and passive businesses, such as landlords, are not eligible.

Money from the grants can be used to cover payroll, business rent or mortgage, COVID-19 unemployment insurance costs and other operating expenses.

For more details, business owners may visit Bucks County's COVID-19 Economic Resources Portal and review the Bucks Back to Work Round Two Grant Overview document.

The county has been awarding grants of up to $25,000 — or 25 percent of a business's annual operating expenses — to businesses that apply and are approved. The grant money is not a loan and will not have to be repaid.

The program was started in May as a $6 million effort before commissioners expanded it.

More than $14 million were distributed to roughly 900 small businesses during the first round of payments in June and July. Another $15 million is expected to be distributed in the coming weeks, commissioners said.

Questions about the Bucks Back to Work Grant Program can be emailed to bucksbacktowork@buckscounty.org.