$10m in additional funds available to aid local small businesses impacted by Covid-19

Tuesday afternoon, Better Business Bureau Paso del Norte officials announced that El Paso County has made $10 million in grants, loans and technical assistance available to aid small businesses which have been negatively impacted by COVID-19 through its Financial Assistance for Safety, Technology & Economic Resilience (FASTER) Program.

“We have included information regarding all the programs in one place to make it easier for qualifying businesses to apply for aid,” said Marybeth Stevens, President & CEO of Better Business Bureau Paso del Norte.

“Business owners can visit EPBusinessStrong.org to find information and applications for all programs.”

Program awards will be made to the following priority areas:

●      BEGINNING JANUARY 5, 2021 — Tier I: $6 million will be available to businesses located outside of the City of El Paso and within El Paso County.

●      BEGINNING JANUARY 5, 2021 — Tier II: $4 million will be available to businesses located within the El Paso city limits.

●      BEGINNING ON MARCH 5, 2021: Any remaining Tier I funds will be made available to any business located within El Paso County, including businesses located within El Paso city limits.

Non-Profit organizations and businesses located in El Paso County that previously applied for COVID-19 relief funds but were denied due to being located outside of El Paso city limits may now qualify.

Businesses located within El Paso County, including businesses located within El Paso city limits, that can demonstrate a negative impact due to COVID-19 and who have implemented a health and safety policy pursuant to County Judge’s Orders may apply.

Officials add that the BBB will be joined live on Facebook by representatives from El Paso County to discuss FASTER program guidelines and qualifications. Businesses are strongly encouraged to take the City of El Paso’s Pledge to Safety.

Businesses can visit EPBusinessStrong.org to learn more and apply.