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The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, under Act 1 of 2021 (SB 109), created an initiative known as the COVID-19 Hospitality Industry Recovery Program (CHIRP). Act 1 allocated $145 million in funding assistance to hospitality industry businesses adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Approximately $5.9 million has been allocated to Chester County. Grants will be awarded in $5,000 increments with a $50,000 maximum.
The Chester County Economic Development Council will work with the County to implement this program. Applications will be submitted through this website and will be accepted between March 15 and April 12.
A business is eligible if:
- It has a North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) designation within the Accommodation subsector (721) or Food Services and Drinking Places subsector (722) and where accommodations, food or drink is served to or provided for the public, with or without charge. Please refer to this NAISCS code list.
- It has fewer than 300 full-time equivalent employees.
- It has a maximum tangible net worth of not more than $15 million.
- It was in operation on February 15, 2020 and remains in operation and does not intend to permanently cease operations within one year of the date of application.
- COVID-19 has had an adverse economic impact on the eligible applicant which makes the grant request necessary to support the ongoing operations of the eligible applicant.
- It can demonstrate a minimum 25% decline in quarterly revenue when comparing quarterly revenue between 2019 to 2020.
The application window will be close on April 12.
