Small business loans awarded by Westmoreland County commissioners last week are helping companies in the Penn-Trafford area recover from economic setbacks created by the coronavirus pandemic.
Across the county, 260 small businesses were awarded grants totaling more than $4.3 million. Grants ranged from a few thousand dollars to a maximum of $25,000. They were funded through $31.5 million in federal funds funneled through the state as part of the government’s coronavirus relief program.
“It was tremendous,” said Britani Frencho, co-director at Just For Kids Daycare in Larimer. “It was a gift to help out.”
The company received more than $14,000, online records show, the majority of which was used for cleaning supplies, Frencho said. The business was closed from March until May when nonessential businesses were ordered to shutter by Gov. Tom Wolf to help curb the spread of the virus.
Despite being able to reopen, Frencho noted the business is still taking a hit “because not all of our clients came back. Still a lot of people working from home.”
Funds first went out to businesses owners this week, many of whom lined up at the courthouse to sign contracts and accept their checks.
Several people who received their checks were putting the funds toward staff raises and to make up for any losses endured during the stay-at-home orders.
Businesses in the Penn-Trafford area that received grants include:
Meeting Resources Unlimited in Claridge — $2,966
Mirror Images Styling Salon in Harrison City — $3,293
Wayfarer Crossfit in Harrison City — $6,016
Photography by Pati in Harrison City — $16,370
Simplicity Boutique in Harrison City — $7,770
Triple D Auto Parts Inc. in Harrison City — $23,215
Premier Promotional Solutions in Manor — $25,000
JE Fugh Mechanical Services Inc in Manor — $25,000
L&I’s Food and Spirits, or JJDA Enterprises LLC, in Penn Borough — $4,543
Stacy Lyn Boutique Photography in Trafford — $4,724
Al’s Construction LLC. & Landscape Supply in Trafford — $20,695
