For Immediate Release: Wednesday, May 12, 2021
Rockville, Md., May 12, 2021—On Thursday, May 13 at 12 p.m., Councilmember Will Jawando will host a press conference with the Latino Economic Development Center (LEDC) on the new rental assistance program for small businesses in the County launching on May 17.
The funding for the Montgomery County Small Business Rental Assistance Program is made available through a $1 million appropriation unanimously approved by the Council and spearheaded by Councilmember Jawando.
“Small businesses are the beating heart of our communities. As we head into recovery from COVID-19, it is imperative that we save our small businesses” said Councilmember Will Jawando. “Sadly, many have gone under and those remaining are struggling to remain afloat. The Montgomery County Small Business Rental Assistance Program will provide grants to small businesses in qualifying industries to support rental costs, both current and arrears rent payments. For many businesses, this program can be the jumpstart they need to get back on track and return to their robust day-to-day operations.”
"Small businesses have been working nonstop and continue to face difficult decisions because of this crisis," said LEDC Interim Executive Director & CEO Marjorie Nemes-Galarza. "We look forward to partnering with the County in the administration of the Small Business Rental Assistance Program so that rent-burdened small businesses in the County get the support they need.”
The program will be administered by LEDC, in partnership with the County’s Business Advancement Team. Qualifying businesses that suffered from economic hardships caused by the pandemic can receive up to $10,000 in rental assistance or three months of rent, whichever is less. The application portal will launch through the LEDC website on May 17. More information on the program and business eligibility can be found on the LEDC website.
Councilmember Jawando will be joined by representatives of LEDC and local business leaders to discuss the program.
The press conference will take place outside of the local business Roxana Multiservices and Flower Shop located at 8727 Flower Ave., Silver Spring, MD 20901.
The public can watch the conference live on Councilmember Jawando’s Facebook page (@Councilmemberjawando) and YouTube page.
Members of the media must RSVP by 11 a.m. on May 13 by emailing Susan Kenedy at Susan.Kenedy@montgomerycountymd.gov.
Media contacts:
Councilmember Will Jawando
Pamela Luckett, Senior Legislative Aide
Pamela.Luckett@montgomerycountymd.gov
240-777-7971
Latino Economic Development Center
Javier Rivas, Program Manager - Resilient Business Corridors
jrivas@ledcmetro.org
202-540-7424