Ulster County to Award Additional $950,000

KINGSTON – The Office of the Ulster County Executive announced that through collaboration with the Ulster County Legislature and Ulster County Department of Economic Development, $1,000,000 of American Rescue Plan funding provided to Ulster County will be awarded to over 25 small- to medium-sized businesses creating a second small business assistance program for the County. The small business assistance program, known as the Ulster County Cares II Small Business Assistance program, released the application on September 30, 2022. Formal submissions will be accepted beginning October 31, 2022 – December 11, 2022. Informational webinars will be held via Zoom on October 25 and October 27.

The funding comes from Ulster County’s $34 million American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) award. To date, about 70% or over $24 million of the total ARPA funding has been allocated for projects across vertices including infrastructure and trails, housing, government and COVID-19 response, mental health and addiction recovery, and economic recovery and community programs. Funds were allocated upon legislative approval at the March 16, 2022 session. The program will be administered through the Ulster County Department of Economic Development in partnership with the Ulster County Economic Development Alliance.

“In reviewing applications for our CARES I program, we learned more about how the pandemic impacted our small, local businesses. I’m proud that we are using our ARPA funds to provide a second round of critical funding for the Ulster County small business community,” said Acting County Executive Johanna Contreras.

Ulster County Legislator Peter Criswell, Chair of the Ulster County American Rescue Plan Act Special Committee, said, “Small businesses constitute a major force in the Ulster County economy. Supporting these businesses helps retain employment, contributes to the growth and vitality of our area, and maintains a deep-felt sense of community.”

“After the success of the Ulster County CARES I Small Business Assistance program, we’re looking forward to offering additional funding to businesses in Ulster County,” said Tim Weidemann, Director of Economic Development and President/CEO of Ulster County Economic Development Alliance. “We know that the small business community is still feeling the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. This funding will help businesses maintain financial stability and maintain and increase employment in Ulster County.”

“I’m elated to see the Ulster County CARES Small Business Assistance program continuing,” said Sarah Haley, Board Chair of the Ulster County Economic Development Alliance. “We heard from several awarded businesses about the difference this made in their day-to-day operations. We can’t wait to assist more local businesses!”

To qualify for funding, businesses must have 25 or fewer employees. A wide variety of business expenses, including rent, payroll, equipment and fixed assets will be eligible. The maximum grant award per business is $35,000. The full application, application instructions and program information are available now on https://ulstercountyny.gov/economic-development.