Several programs to help Delaware County businesses weather the pandemic were discussed at an April 7 press conference with county officials and members of Delaware County Council.

Councilwoman Elaine Paul Schaefer reported that unemployment numbers as of Sunday indicated 1.1 million Pennsylvania residents have filed for unemployment, or one in every six worker in the state.

She reported that half of those who filed have been processed and are receiving checks.

For those who lost their jobs because of the pandemic, an extra $600 is available with the state’s unemployment compensation for those who apply to the  federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES).  

She encouraged  business owners with 500 or less employees to apply through their  bank for the Paycheck Protection loan program.

The program covers 2.5 months of  payroll expenses and rent.

If an employer gets through the fall with no further layoffs, the loan is forgiven and it becomes a grant.

“The goal is to keep people employed,” Schaefer said.

The Small Business Administration (SBA) also has an Economic Injury Disaster Loan offered at a very low interest rate.

For business owners that have under 100 employees, there’s the COVID Working Capital Access Program. 

The state funded the program with $61 million for three-year loans to qualifying businesses with zero percent interest and zero payments for the first year,

So many small businesses applied that the money was gone in five days, she said.

The program has been suspended but there are plans to re-fund it. Schaefer encouraged qualifying business owners to still submit an application.

You can find out more about all these programs by visiting the Delaware County Commerce Center here. You can also find information on the county’s website at Delcopa.gov, by clicking on the coronavirus icon, and at the Delaware County Chamber of Commerce website here.