11 Haverford Businesses Awarded Revitalization Grant Funding

HAVERTOWN, PA — The Haverford Township Board of Commissioners recently approved matching grant awards to 11 local businesses through the Business Revitalization and Modernization Matching Grant Program.

Administered through a collaboration with local nonprofit Discover Haverford and the Pennsylvania Restaurant and Lodging Association, the program aims to support local businesses adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The approved awardees include Brew Your Own Beer, Centrella’s Deli, Adam Dai DMD PC, House Cup Coffee, In the Fringe LLC, Main Line Therapeutic Wellness, MFR Fitness/Havertown/Health & Fitness, Rita’s Water Ice, Sampan Inn, Wave Lengths Hair Salon, and The Yard Pub.

"During the COVID-19 pandemic, businesses faced significant challenges," Haverford Township Board of Commissioners Vice President Judy Trombetta said. "Through initiatives like the Business Revitalization and Modernization Matching Grant Program, we hope to empower local businesses to thrive, innovate, and contribute to the vibrancy of Haverford Township."

Haverford Township introduced the Business Revitalization and Modernization Matching Grant program to help businesses attract more customers, increase revenue, and remain competitive in today's market. The program provides awards ranging from $10,000 to $25,000 to businesses or commercial property owners for improvements to their businesses.

Through this program, businesses are expected to make a full initial capital investment in their project, with 75 percent reimbursed by the township upon approval.

This program was funded by the American Rescue Plan Act.

Totaling about $200,000 in investments, the projects range from creating new spaces for service expansion to business facade enhancements, new signage, and HVAC system installations. Before the March 11 meeting, a committee of seven, including representatives from Haverford Township, Discover Haverford, the Pennsylvania Restaurant & Lodging Association, and Visit Delco, worked together to create a scoring rubric, review all applications, and propose awardees for approval by the Board of Commissioners.

"It's an honor to facilitate opportunities for growth and development, ensuring our business community remains resilient and forward-looking following the pandemic,” said Jeanne Angell, Executive Director of Discover Haverford.

The PRLA, which collaborated with the township to develop this program's framework, has noted that Pennsylvania restaurants and hotels continue to struggle with challenges related to the pandemic.

"Restaurants, bars, and hotels all throughout the Commonwealth continue to face workforce shortages, endure inflationary pressures, and struggle with other challenges all connected to the ongoing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic," Pennsylvania Restaurant and Lodging Association President & CEO Joe Massaro said. "ARPA funding was intended to help provide relief to those industries most impacted by the pandemic, and we appreciate Commissioner Trombetta’s leadership, and the efforts of the entire Haverford Board of Commissioners, for their work providing relief and support to the hospitality industry and broader business community in southeastern PA. This funding will undoubtedly serve as a lifeline for so many businesses in the township."

More information on the Business Revitalization and Modernization Matching Grant
Program is available online here.