PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Release Contact: Kelly Pitts May 13, 2020 Kelly.Pitts@co.kent.de.us

(302) 744-2304

KENT COUNTY LEVY COURT ESTABLISHES A COVID-19 BUSINESS RELIEF FUND

Dover, Del. – What grew out of a request for assistance from the Central Delaware Chamber of Commerce to help businesses acquire Personal Protective Equipment and cleaning supplies, became the establishment of the Covid-19 Business Relief Fund. At the May 12, 2020 Combined Business and Committee Meetings, Levy Court Commissioners voted in solidarity to establish the Fund that would help small business owners as they re-open their businesses.

Initiated at the May 8 Committee Meetings, Commissioner Eric Buckson asked his colleagues to consider allocating $50,000 of which $18,000 would cover Kent County’s contribution toward the Chamber’s Back to Business Start Up Kits request. The remaining balance would go to the newly established Covid-19 Business Relief Fund divided equally among the six Levy Court Districts to award grants to qualified Small Businesses not to exceed $500 per applicant. The request moved forward for a vote at the May 12, Business Meeting. All Commissioners agreed that establishing the Covid-19 Relief Fund is a step in a positive direction.

To qualify, businesses must be located in Kent County; hold a valid business license, must have been in business for at least one year; with a maximum of 20 employees; and the funds can not be used to pay debts incurred before March 17, 2020. Other exclusions to grant funds are real estate and vehicle purchases.

Businesses that are not covered under the grant include: any essential business which was open during the State of Emergency; Franchises and national chain stores/restaurants; Home-based businesses, internet-based businesses, and virtual businesses; and, payday loan businesses, tobacco stores, faith based organizations, pawn shops, adult entertainment stores and real estate businesses.

To apply, complete and submit an application, a vendor form, complete W-9, and a valid business license and submit to:

Kent County COVID Fund

c/o Kent Economic Partnership 555 Bay Road

Dover, DE 19901