16 Bensalem Small Businesses Get COVID-19 Relief (ICYMI)

BENSALEM, PA — Bensalem businesses that struggled through the coronavirus pandemic have gotten some help from the most recent round of federal funding dispersed in Pennsylvania.

The latest round of grants, funded by the federal CARES Act, saw funds for 16 Bensalem businesses. Many of the businesses receiving funds in the round announced last week were among the types of businesses hit hardest by the shutdown designed to curb the spread of the virus.

Among them were nail salons, barber shops, restaurants, tattoo parlors, gyms and dentist's offices.

To qualify, businesses had to have had 25 or fewer employees in February 2020, and annual revenue of less than $1 million prior to COVID-19's impact, among other requirements.

The COVID-19 Relief Pennsylvania Statewide Small Business Assistance program provides grants ranging from $5,000 to $50,000. The department released a list of recipients who'd received funds or signed a grant agreement as of Oct. 3.

The recently enacted Pennsylvania state budget included $2.6 billion in federal stimulus funds through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES). Within this allocation, the state Department of Community and Economic Development has been allocated $225 million for COVID-19 relief to small businesses through a distribution to Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs).

The aid granted is to help cover operating expenses and to assist business owners in stabilizing or relaunching their business, in situations related to impact from the coronavirus pandemic.

The following Bensalem businesses received funding:

• Atom Olson Fitness LLC, $15,000
• Ben's BBQ & Beer, $20,000
• Golden Asp Inc., $35,000
• JL Landscaping, Inc., $20,000
• Paddywhack's Irish Sports Pub, $50,000
• R & R Caterers, $10,000
• Salon Visionary, LLC, $10,000
• Studio 13 Hair Salon, $20,000
• Style Nails & Spa, $25,000
• Style Studio, $20,000
• TK Nails & Spa, LLC, $20,000
• Unique Hair and Nails, LLC, $15,000
• V Star Nails & Spa, Inc., $20,000
• Spice Rack Indian Restaurant, $25,000
• Honest Restaurant, $35,000
• ZW Restaurants, LLC, $35,000