Start of a new week. More money has been allocated for PPP loans and EIDL, so contact your local banker if you have not yet done so or received any such loan. Locally, a new job recovery fund is in the process of being created from a portion of the funds held by the BCTDA. All good news.
Buncombe County TDA Job Recovery Fund – On April 24, 2020, Republican Senator Chuck Edwards, along with Buncombe County Commissioner and Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority Board Member Joe Belcher and Buncombe County TDA Board Chair Gary Froeba, announced a collaborative effort to jump-start the county’s tourism sector and restore critical jobs impacted by COVID-19. On April 28, Senator Edwards will file legislation titled “Buncombe County Tourism Jobs Recovery Act.” This legislation provides that $5 million in emergency grant funding will be made available for Buncombe County tourism-related small businesses and nonprofit organizations affected by the coronavirus pandemic. The money will be appropriated from unspent funds currently remaining in the Tourism Product Development Fund. Eligible applicants can receive up to $50,000 directed toward the restart of their business once the recovery begins, and it is safe to operate or resume full operations. Businesses that will qualify are those that provide a direct experience for visitors, including restaurants, retail, studios and galleries, attractions, tours and activities, breweries, wineries, cideries, distilleries, entertainment and event venues, and numerous other categories. More details to come once the legislation is proposed and made public. Better late than never I guess.