Help is here for local businesses that took a hit from the pandemic.

However, many business owners are not aware that grant money is available.

“There are so many programs out there that it can be very confusing, even for us, in terms of who to contact,” said Kathy Henderson, Director of Economic Development for the Carbon County Chamber & Economic Development Corp.

“We don’t handle every program through this office. We have to refer you to those entities that are doing those particular grants or programs.”

The Pennsylvania COVID-19 Hospitality Industry Recovery Program was introduced earlier in March.

CHIRP allocated $145 million in funding assistance to the hospitality industry businesses across the state.

Carbon County received $726,949. All of the money can be distributed to Carbon businesses, except for what the chamber retains as fees for administration costs.

“It’s the latest and greatest that came down from the government,” Henderson said. “It came into each county across the state - each county got their own amount based on number of citizens in the county.”

Specific guidelines are on the Carbon Chamber home page.

Eligible businesses must show a reduction in gross receipts between 2019 and the same period in 2020, which has to be a minimum of 25% in reduction. Additionally, the business has to be for-profit, as nonprofits do not qualify. The business must be in the hospitality industry.

“We’re trying to get the word out as best we can. It’s free money basically. You don’t have to pay it back or match it,” Henderson said.

“Each county has its own pot of money, so this money is specific for Carbon County industry. If it’s a franchise, as long as it’s not a publicly traded company with the local franchisee, they could qualify.”

The minimum a business can receive is $5,000 but can range up to $50,000. The relief money is given out in increments of $5,000.

Henderson said the deadline for Carbon businesses to apply is May 31, or until the money runs out - whichever comes first. The application is available at carboncountychamber.org at no fee.

CHIRP information for other counties is available at:

• Carbon County: carboncountychamber.org

• Lehigh County: lehighvalleychamber.org

• Monroe County: greaterpoconochamber.com

• Schuylkill County:schuylkillchamber.com