Endure. Persevere. Adapt. Pivot. These four words, and many more, describe thousands of small businesses in the Greater Philadelphia and Delaware region and what they did to survive when the COVID-19 pandemic’s impacts were felt.
To help recognize small businesses in the region that overcame the odds, WSFS Bank partnered with FOX 29 in May to launch the WSFS Bank Small Business Resiliency Program. Four small businesses were selected from more than 500 deserving nominations and were featured on Good Day Philadelphia. Many of the operational changes made by small businesses during the
pandemic are likely to remain part of their business models, as a WSFS Bank Business Survey in late 2020
More than 23,250 second doses have been administered in the county, Green said.
The county is currently giving inoculating health care workers; residents and staff of long-term care facilities; people who are 65 years old or older; and child care and school workers.
Those who are eligible can make an appointment to get a vaccine at the county’s website. Those who need assistance can call 910-678-7657.
Help is available
County residents who are having trouble paying their rent or utility bills because of the COVID-19 pandemic can apply for help, officials said. Families with school-aged children also can seek assistance for help paying for food.
The four programs, to be administered by City Manager Pete Grant, are:
the Small Business Resiliency Program ($908,000),
the Community Plates Hot Meal Program ($350,000),
the Post-Pandemic Business Recovery Program ($500,000), and
supplemental support for local, partner non-profits ($300,000).
These programs will be funded by a one-time $1.9 million budget surplus from the 2019-2020 budget yet plus $158,000 from the County of Orange. The County funds are specifically targeted for the Small Business Resiliency Program.
Other items of interest on the agenda include approving the gift of a ballistic vest for the Police Department K-9 program (part of the consent calendar), selecting a design for restoring the Katella Avenue median, and discussing the review of a joint venture project proposed by Valley Vista Services, the City’s trash hauler.
On Friday, Gov. Gavin Newsom announced a $575 million grant program for small businesses and nonprofits as part of his $227 billion budget proposal to the state legislature.