KANAWHA COUNTY COMMISSION Pont onc Boc ar “eleprone 04) 357.0101 ‘hart, Wont Wing 2556 Fo (00) 257.788 Henry C. Shores Bon Salango ‘Commissioner Commissioner Commissioner June 24,2020 Office ofthe Governor ‘ttn Deputy Chef of Saf, Ann Using ‘State Capitol, 1900 Kenawha Bid. E Charleston, WV 25305, amit CANAWHA CARES (Smal Business Assistance Program) Dear Ms, Urling: ‘The COVID-19 pandemic dealt a quick and devastating blow to our state's economy. This is especialy true in Kanawha County, where businesses are closing, or teetering onthe edge of closure, due to declining revenues and the oss of customers. While some have been able to avai themselves ofthe Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) or other aid, many others heve not been able to receive the assistance they desperately need. Kanawha County, the largest county the state, has more than 8,000 businesses. Of those, 75% percent 6,168) are small businesses employing fewer than ten people. These small businesses are the backbone of our county and state's economy and must be supported If we are to reopen successfully. To that end, these businesses desperately need the means to access the millions in CARES funding the state has received. Our small businesses ‘can wait no longer. ‘The Kanawha County Commission stands ready to support our small businesses through KANAWHA CARES - 3 small business assistance program. We have a proven track record of success inthis area, having operated the LUKAN program (Upper Kanawha Valle Business Assistance Program) for the past two years, We are ready and ®willing to roll outa similar business program to all areas of the county to support businesses that are struggling to remain open due tothe publichealth criss. Several other states and local governments are already doing just this. Pennsylvania, for example, recently allocated $225 million to support small businesses that were impacted by the COVID-19 public health crisis. Similarly, Ohio has created progrems to provide millions of funding to small employers in Appalachia. A simple survey finds that cities anc counties all over the country have started similar programs to support small businesses using CARES funding. ‘A small business assistance program should be administered locally to allow local officials who understand the tnewls oftheir wemnmuity to operate with transparency and accountability. Applicants could be vetted beth {Quickly and responsibly. Most importantly, local administration guarantees quick decisions on financial aid without unnecessary delay and the red tape of a centralized state program. “Tothat end, the Kanawha County Commission Is requesting @ CARES grant to Kanawha County of $10 milion for 1a small business assistance program. We weleome the opportunity to discuss this program with you at your earliest convenience. Commissioner Preside Commissioner