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Montgomery County’s Public Health Emergency Grant (PHEG) Program Surpasses More Than 1,200 Grants Approved or in the Approval Process, Representing More Than $10.6 Million

For Immediate Release: Thursday, May 7, 2020

Montgomery County’s Public Health Emergency Grant (PHEG) program, which was created to help businesses that have demonstrated significant losses due to the COVID-19 health crisis, this week surpassed more than 1,200 applicants having already received funding, having been approved or in the approval process. Those grants represent more than $10.6 million in funding.

More than 6,700 applications were filed with the County during the application period of April 15-25. Reviews of the applications began immediately, with the County adding staff to the program to accelerate the process. Applications continue to be reviewed for grants that can be awarded of up to $10,000 per applicant.

As of Thursday, May 7, at noon, 1,205 applications had already been funded, had been approved or were in the process of being approved. Those awards represent $10,591,489 in grants. In addition, $333,270 in telework grant assistance to qualified applicants has been authorized.

The PHEG program was established through a partnership between County Executive Marc Elrich and the County Council to provide financial assistance to businesses and nonprofit organizations with 100 employees or fewer that have experienced a significant reduction in revenue due to the health crisis.

The program is funded with $25 million, with at least $10 million dedicated to restaurants and retail businesses.

Applications continue to be evaluated, with reviewers checking to see if applying businesses:
  • Are a for-profit or nonprofit business whose physical business location(s) is only in the County; or the business has physical business locations both in and outside of the County, and the County-based location(s) account for more than 50 percent of the business’s total number of employees or more than 50 percent of the business’s gross sales.
  • Have 100 employees or fewer.
  • Have experienced a significant reduction in revenues.
  • Are in good standing with the State of Maryland at the time of submitting the application.
  • Have submitted all paperwork required by the PHEG application process.

Because of limited County funds and overwhelming demand, Montgomery County is encouraging businesses throughout the County to explore other forms of Federal, State and local assistance that may be available. Resources to assist in this search include:

More information on the PHEG program is available at www.montgomerycountymd.gov/Biz-Resources/pheg/. Questions about the program should be directed to BizinfoCovid19@montgomerycountymd.gov.

For the latest updates, visit the County’s COVID-19 website and follow Montgomery County on Facebook @MontgomeryCountyInfo and Twitter @MontgomeryCoMD.

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Release ID: 20-241
Media Contact: Neil H. Greenberger 240-205-1915