The appropriation of Bucks County funding from the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 is now available. Qualified applicants can submit information for a pandemic-related Bucks Business Recovery Grant, part of a $5-million pool allotted to the county.

But needy businesspeople must act soon: The opportunity to file closes November 19, 2021, at 5 p.m.

Three local entities will work collaboratively to review the applications and select the nonprofits/small businesses receiving help:

• Bucks County Economic Development Corporation
• Bucks County Industrial Development Authority
• Redevelopment Authority of the County of Bucks

Funding amounts range from $1,000 to $45,000. The County Controller will hold the capital infusions until a final review of applications by the Bucks County Board of Commissioners.

Small businesses and/or nonprofits who have already received Bucks Back to Work grant funding and/or CARES Act funding are eligible for this program.

Extensive guidelines are in place for both nonprofits and small businesses. In general, however, funding may be used for needs that include:

• Payroll expenses
• Business rent/mortgages
• Capital expenses related to COVID-19 operations, including:
  • Physical changes to enable social distancing
  • Enhanced cleaning efforts
  • Physical changes to enable social distancing
  • Enhanced cleaning efforts

After a review of all required paperwork — including a grant contract attesting to adherence to the intended use of the stimulus — approved applicants can expect funds to arrive in approximately 15 days.

More information on the Bucks Business Recovery Grant process is available on the Bucks County Economic Development Corporation website.