Hi,

We are in the middle of an economic crisis -- as well as a public health emergency. For the first time, six million Americans filed for unemployment assistance - ten times the number that have ever filed during past recessions. And all over Montgomery County, businesses have closed and thousands of business owners are wondering if they will be able to keep the lights on.

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 emergency, I have been in constant contact with local business owners. Over 90% of our businesses have 50 employees or less, making small businesses the backbone of Montgomery County’s economy and the creators of most of our jobs. Throughout this crisis, I’ve been talking to business owners and government officials on how we can help our local business owners keep their lights on and reopen as soon as possible if they do have to close.

In this special edition of my newsletter, I've included more details about: my next virtual town hall, four webinars I am hosting for business owners this week; a list of resources and programs available from the county, state and federal governments; and how to sign-up for a notification when the application for Montgomery County's Public Health Emergency Grant Program becomes available.

Last week, my colleagues and I passed Bill 16-20, the Public Health Emergency Grant Program. Bill 16-20 establishes a $20 million grant program that will help local businesses pay rent, staff, and/or operational expenditures. There is a maximum cap of $75,000 per business. Micro-businesses, sole proprietors, non-profits and all businesses with fewer than 100 employees are eligible. Given that our retail and restaurant businesses were hit most severely by this pandemic due to the need for social distancing, I successfully advocated to reserve at least 25% of the fund for retail and restaurants.

As we continue to respond to this public health and economic crisis, I will continue to support local businesses and share important information. Please do not hesitate to contact my office at 240-777-7960 or tom.hucker@montgomerycountymd.gov.

Sincerely,

The County Council just approved an emergency assistance package for businesses including a $20 million Public Health Emergency Grant Program. Guidelines and application procedures are rapidly being developed. Sign up here to receive an immediate notification as soon as the application for the Public Health Emergency Grants is available.

Tom is hosting virtual town halls on Monday evenings at 7pm with county residents to provide the latest updates about our community's response to coronavirus. This Monday, we will have a general update from 7-7:30pm. From 7:30pm to 8:30pm we will have an open conversation about issues related to online learning and education. Click here to sign-up for instructions to join the meeting via Zoom, Facebook Live, or telephone.

Webinar with MD Commerce Secretary Kelly Schulz
Join Council Vice President Tom Hucker and Commerce Secretary Kelly Schulz to discuss eligibility and application details for county and state relief programs for businesses. Click here to RSVP for the meeting on Thursday, April 9 at 3pm.

Webinar with the Greater Silver Spring Chamber of Commerce
Join the GSSCC and Council Vice President Tom Hucker to discuss eligibility and application details for Montgomery County's Public Health Emergency Grant Program for Business. Click here to join tomorrow Monday, April 6 at 9AM.

Webinar with Minority Business Economic Council Join the MBEC and Council Vice President Tom Hucker to discuss eligibility and application details for Montgomery County's Public Health Emergency Grant Program for Business. Click here to join on Tuesday, April 7 at 11AM.

The Montgomery County Department of Alcohol & Beverage Services now allows licensed restaurants to sell cocktails in takeout cups with lids. Moreover, The National Restaurant Association has launched a relief fund to give $500 checks to restaurant workers affected by COVID-19. To find more information about the National Restaurant Association fund, and more resources for restaurants click here.