EMDC Provides Direct Technical Support to Businesses and Non-Profits, Distributes an Additional $9.6 Million in COVID-19 Relief

EMDC provided technical assistance to 660 businesses and non-profits, and distributed a total of $28.4 million since November 13^th

Hancock, Penobscot, Piscataquis and Waldo Counties – Phase 2 of funding from the Maine Economic Recovery Grant Program is being distributed. In partnership with the Maine Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD), EMDC provided support to 221 businesses and non-profits, and delivered $9.6 million in COVID-19 relief. EMDC continues to provide direct technical support while processing applications for funding made available by DECD. A new program created by DECD and supported by EMDC, the Maine Tourism, Hospitality & Retail Recovery Grant, began accepting applications December 3^rd.

EMDC provided technical assistance to 660 businesses and non-profits, and distributed a total of $28.4 million since November 13^th. Funded by the federal CARES Act, Phase 2 of the Maine Economic Recovery Grant Program alone granted 1,222 awards statewide. Awards “include 1,107 to businesses and 115 to non-profits, total $53.6 million and average just over $43,000 per award with recipients spanning the entire state,” Governor Mills’ Office said in a press release.

The idea for the funding originated in Governor Mills’ Economic Recovery Committee. As a member of the Committee, EMDC President & CEO Lee Umphrey was part of the creation of these grant programs. “Maine’s small businesses and organizations have been hit hard during the pandemic but are managing to adapt and survive,” said Lee Umphrey. “These additional federal funds will help our local communities get through the winter, but more financial support is needed from Congress.”

16 different sectors saw relief from Phase 2 of the grant program, including:

• Accommodation with 23.9% of the awards;
• Retail trade with 10% of the awards;
• Non-profits with 10% of the awards;
• Healthcare/social assistance with 9% of the awards;
• Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing, and Hunting with 8.1% of the awards;
• Arts, entertainment, and recreation with 7.2% of the awards;
• Other service businesses with 6.8% of the awards; and
• Construction with 6.3% of the awards.

EMDC continues to provide direct support to businesses and non-profits as they process applications for the new Maine Tourism, Hospitality & Retail Recovery Grant Program. Up to $20,000 each is available for eligible applicants under the new initiative. To learn how EMDC can support your business or organization, email community@emdc.org. For information on how EMDC is helping businesses recover from the economic fallout created by the COVID-19 pandemic, visit their website at www.emdc.org/covid-19-resources.

Eastern Maine Development Corporation (EMDC) (www.emdc.org)is a non-profit that fosters public-private partnerships and leverages resources to help communities, businesses and individuals reach long-term goals and achieve prosperity.

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