Jeannette business grants could be distributed in June

Grants for Jeannette businesses could be distributed in June after city council agreed to shift government funding designated for coronavirus pandemic response.

Ethan Keedy, the city’s chief fiscal officer, said he hopes to have an application process set up by April 1. Those details will be added to the city’s website once finalized.

“I’m happy to see that we’re going to be able to do this grant program,” said Councilwoman Robin Mozley, who has been pushing for it for months.

About $110,000 will be available for businesses through 2020 Community Development Block Grant supplemental funding that was reallocated. A hearing on the matter was attended by about 10 people last week.

Jeannette officials had been unsuccessful in attempts to use the supplemental funding, which must be spent by November. Mozley previously wanted to use some of the city’s $900,000 in American Rescue Plan funding to create a pot of money for businesses, but other council members were hesitant to agree — discussing other possible uses for the money.

The business grants will be administered by Keedy. Applications could be reviewed in May, with money potentially being awarded in June. Anyone who is awarded funds will be required to submit invoices to the city. Keedy said the money will not be paid directly to a business.

He is still determining how businesses that receive the money can use it. Keedy said city officials anticipate capping each grant at $5,000 with the intention of helping 20 to 25 businesses.