To the Editor:

Lower Macungie small businesses who are struggling because of the pandemic and associated economic shutdown can now apply for a local township grant with a quick turnaround time.

At our Dec. 3 board meeting, township commissioners established a local small business COVID-19 relief program. The program will be administered by township staff in partnership with the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce.

Unfortunately, with the federal and state government failing to establish additional relief programs in a timely manner to help our most vulnerable small businesses struggling through no fault of their own, we wanted to establish a local program with the ability to approve and distribute grants quickly. We understand small businesses are the backbone of our community and have been disproportionately impacted.

This program is for small businesses located within Lower Macungie Township with fewer than 100 employees. Qualifying businesses may apply for up to a $1,000 grant for COVID-19 related expenses.

The deadline is Dec. 25. Applications and more information can be found on the Chamber website located at https://www.lehighvalleychamber.org under the COVID-19 resources menu.

Ron Beitler

president, Lower Macungie Township Board of Commissioners

Ronbeitler@gmail.com