Two weeks after announcing a new $300,000 grant program to provide assistance for small businesses struggling from the coronavirus pandemic, the Albany County Legislature is adding another $200,000 in response to increasing calls for help, bringing the total 2020 funding to $500,000.

“With federal money still up for debate, this grant program is the only assistance that many of our small businesses can rely on to help them through this pandemic. I felt it imperative that if we were going to provide this funding, we offered it to as many businesses in Albany County as possible,” said Majority Leader Dennis Feeney, who sponsored the resolution. “I want to thank my fellow legislators for supporting this measure and realizing the impact these small grants will have on our communities.”

“The Albany County Legislature has been committed to creating impactful and innovative opportunities to get our county, and our constituents through this crisis. Now that we stand on the edge of a second wave of this pandemic, businesses we know and love are already struggling and facing very difficult choices. This funding could not come at a more critical time.” Chairman Andrew Joyce said. “I want to thank our Majority Leader Dennis Feeney for this legislation and to our County Executive for working with the Legislature on this endeavor.”

“Estimates show that nearly 100,000 small businesses across the country have closed within the first eight months of this year because of COVID. We know that number is only rising and many more won’t make it through the winter, including those who have had to limit capacity or never reopened since the economic shutdown in March. Businesses need help now, but not in the form of more debt. These grants will be a game-changer for the local establishments that make Albany County a one-of-a-kind place to live and raise a family, and I’m proud to partner with the Legislature on this,” said Albany County Executive Daniel. P. McCoy.

Expanding on the funding this year, the Legislature has also earmarked $100,000 in the 2021 County Budget that was approved on December 7.

The grants will be up to $5,000 that can assist in paying up to two months of back rent, up to two weeks of perishable goods and/or expenses related to retrofitting the business for COVID-19. The funding will be administered through the Advance Albany County Alliance, who have been working with outside entities to expedite and manage the distribution of the grants.

The Albany County Legislature expects to distribute information to businesses in the next few weeks regarding the application process, including eligibility requirements and how businesses can apply. Information will also be posted on the Albany County website.