PRESS RELEASE:

July 20, 2022

For Immediate Release

500 Small Businesses Benefit Under Morris County Grant Program

Funding Still Available, Apply Today

The Morris County Small Business Grant Program has already approved awards of up to $15,000 to 500 small businesses and nonprofits, as another check was personally delivered today to a Roxbury Township salon.

Looma Spa at the Roxbury Mall was handed a $15,000 check by Morris County Commissioner Kathryn DeFillippo this afternoon. She was greeted by Brisca Kang, who is Looma Spa owner Kristie Kang’s mother and co-worker.

As with other salons and spas, Looma was closed during the height of the pandemic and worked to retain its customer base while continuing to meet rising business costs and expenses. The grant program, launched on Valentine’s Day, covers expenses, including rent, mortgages and utility costs, that continued after March 2021 as businesses dealt with pandemic impacts.

While 500 applicants have already been approved, about $1.8 million remains available in the Morris County Small Business Program to small business owners and nonprofits who qualify.

There is no cost to apply and no obligation.

Read the Qualifications & Apply: morriscountysmallbusinessgrant.com

The Morris County Small Grant Program was the brainchild of the Morris County Commissioners, who developed a unique use of funds issued to the county through the American Rescue Plan Act. The board initially set aside $10 million in funds for the program.

Federal guidelines covering the grant program will determine exactly which expenses qualify for coverage and which applications may be approved. The grants are capped at $15,000 per applicant. However, business owners and nonprofits are encouraged to submit applications that include all costs they believe may qualify for the grant, even if the total amount of a single claim exceeds $15,000.

A final review may determine that some costs submitted for consideration are not covered under the program guidelines. However, by submitting all expenses that may qualify, applicants increase the possibility of getting the maximum amount of grant dollars possible.