Tioga County announces COVID-19 emergency relief loan program for small businesses

OWEGO — Small businesses in Tioga County that have been impacted by the coronavirus crisis can now apply for emergency loans through the county’s COVID-19 emergency relief program.

The Tioga County Legislature created a $475,000 fund to provide 0-percent interest, 180-day emergency loans to small businesses in the county that have fewer than 50 employees. The purpose of the fund is to prevent staff reductions, allow business operations to continue, and to offset losses related to the coronavirus.

The source of funding for the program is a U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Small Cities revolving loan fund that Tioga County already holds. HUD approved the reallocation of the funds to establish the COVID-19 emergency relief program.

“This appears to be an eligible use of Small Cities Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Revolving Loan Funding; therefore, HUD does not object to this targeted use of those funds,” William O’Connell, HUD’s director of community planning and development in its Buffalo field office, said in a statement. “HUD appreciates the County’s proactive effort to assist small businesses who have been negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.”

The Tioga County Industrial Development Agency (TCIDA) will administer the fund on behalf of the county.

The emergency relief program will offer up to $25,000 loans to small businesses to address the financial impact of the coronavirus situation. TCIDA anticipates the average loan size to be around $10,000. The new loan program targets business owners in need of a “short-term immediate solution for working capital.”

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is currently offering and administering the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program and the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) to help small businesses stay afloat and keep their workforce during the coronavirus crisis. Tioga County said it encourages business owners to first pursue those funds, but also keep the county program “in mind as a viable alternative.”

Those seeking financing can find the COVID-19 emergency relief loan application online at www.tiogacountyny.com. Choose the COVID-19 tab at the bottom of the page, then click on “Business Support Information.”

“The hardships being experienced by small businesses and their employees are crippling and they will have both short and long-term impacts. The Emergency Relief Loan Program is a tool to help small businesses make it through this difficult time,” Marte Sauerbrey, Tioga County legislative chairperson, said.

If you have questions regarding the program, contact TCIDA Executive Administrator Christine Curtis at (607) 687-8259 or email: CurtisC@co.tioga.ny.us.