Orange County NC Website
3 <br /> Bonnie Hammersley said people can walk into parks and are not being kicked out, but <br /> the County is discouraging congregants. <br /> Commissioner Price referred to the health screenings, and asked if there are certain <br /> protocols for this process. <br /> Travis Myren said if one has a temp over 100.4 degrees, or answers that say they are <br /> symptomatic, then they cannot go into the buildings. <br /> a. Approval of Emergency Small Business Funding Program <br /> The Board considered voting to create the Emergency Small Business Funding <br /> Program, to provide Emergency Small Business funding to Orange County small businesses <br /> experiencing revenue loss due to the coronavirus pandemic in the form of both grants and <br /> loans. This program will be funded using Article 46 Sales Tax revenue that was originally <br /> budgeted in the Small Business Loan Program. The current balance in the Article 46 Small <br /> Business Loan Program is approximately $300,000. <br /> Bonnie Hammersley said this is an emergency measure the County is taking to assist <br /> businesses during this current emergency situation. <br /> Travis Myren reviewed the information below: <br /> PURPOSE: To provide Emergency Small Business funding to Orange County small businesses <br /> experiencing revenue loss due to the coronavirus pandemic in the form of both grants and <br /> loans. This program will be funded using Article 46 Sales Tax revenue that was originally <br /> budgeted in the Small Business Loan Program. The current balance in the Article 46 Small <br /> Business Loan Program is approximately $300,000. <br /> BACKGROUND: The coronavirus pandemic has impacted the global stock markets and <br /> disrupted economic and business growth throughout the United States. The County is <br /> committed to supporting its local businesses and has established various grants and small <br /> business loan programs to facilitate economic development. Given the substantial financial <br /> impact on small businesses from this pandemic, a new Emergency Small Business Funding <br /> Program is intended to provide immediate financial assistance. The BOCC previously approved <br /> Article 46 Sales Tax funding for the Small Business Loan Program which will be used to fund <br /> the Emergency Small Business Funding Program. <br /> Eligible small businesses may apply and qualify for a grant, loan or both. An evaluation <br /> committee composed of two representatives each from the Small Business Grant Committee, <br /> the Agricultural Grant Committee, and the Small Business Loan (SBL) Board will make final <br /> determinations for both grants and loans. This group will be staffed by the County's Chief <br /> Finance Officer and Director of Economic Development. Following BOCC approval, this group <br /> will develop a plan to begin issuing grants and loans between April through June 2020. County <br /> staff will provide status reports to the Board. <br /> Eligibility requirements: <br /> • Orange County based businesses <br /> • Minimum of one year of operations <br /> • For-Profit business status <br /> • Profit and Loss statement indicating profitability prior to coronavirus pandemic <br /> Emergency financing program: <br /> • Maximum grant of$5,000 per small business with no repayment required. <br />