Richland County to offer $500,000 in coronavirus support for local businesses
Richland County will soon join a list of agencies offering support for businesses struggling with through the coronavirus-imposed lockdown.
Starting Monday, the county will begin accepting applications for a $500,000 fund set aside to help local businesses dealing with the fallout from the coronavirus.
The money will be rolled out in stages, with five distinct deadlines for applications until the money is spent, after Richland County Council approved the plan on Tuesday. Companies located in Richland County can apply for the funds, with the goal of reaching businesses with 50 or fewer employees and operating in the unincorporated portions of the county.
Council members expressed concern that those businesses won’t qualify for federal support or for the city of Columbia’s support program that has already paid out $1 million to businesses in the city limits.
Council members also delayed taking applications until Monday in hopes of reaching more small businesses that might not be aware they could apply for the money.
“Those who are ready for this are already privy to the information,” said Councilman Calvin “Chip” Jackson. “It will be more equitable if we get the notice out about it.”
County staff have said they plan to use the Richland Library to reach eligible businesses. Administrator Leonardo Brown said Tuesday the county may even look at billboards to get the word out.
“I am asking for a really robust level of engagement when this passes,” said Councilwoman Dalhi Myers.
The money is part of a $1.5 million package the county put together to respond to the impact of coronavirus. Richland County has been the worst impacted county in the state, with almost 700 cases and 14 deaths as of Tuesday.
The enforced shutdown of many businesses has also impacted many businesses’ ability to keep their doors open. It’s also led to a historic spike in unemployment.
On Wednesday, Gov. Henry McMaster announced that schools will remain closed for the remainder of the spring semester, even as some businesses have begun to reopen.
Also on Tuesday, Richland County Council voted to shift $2.8 million in community development block grants toward its coronavirus response efforts.
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