Grant funds for COVID expenses available to Herkimer County businesses

HERKIMER, N.Y. — Businesses throughout Herkimer County can apply for funding from a state grant for projects that improve the resiliency of businesses and public facilities serving residents.

In June, the Housing Trust Fund Corporation and the Office of Community Renewal notified Herkimer County it received a $500,000 New York State Community Development Block Grant Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act grant.

Applicants may apply for between $25,000 and $100,000 in funding to assist with past or current COVID-related expenses including activities to prevent the spread of the virus, response to impacts of the virus, and steps to safely reopen and prepare businesses for new safety protocols.

“I think this is a great opportunity for businesses in the area to respond to the pandemic in a positive way, especially with the amount of negative impacts COVID-19 has had in the past few years,” said Victoria Adams, grant coordinator with the Herkimer County Industrial Development Agency. The IDA is administering the grant in conjunction with Herkimer County.

Applications and the program guidelines are available online at www.herkimercountyida.org/document_types/loan-grant-applications-and-guidelines/.