Region XI Brooke-Hancock Regional Planning and Development Council Providing Guidance for Small Businesses

Area small businesses now have another resource to help them address the economic challenges presented by the coronavirus pandemic.  The Region XI Brooke-Hancock Regional Planning and Development Council will be providing local small businesses with guidance regarding assistance programs.

“There are many ways small businesses can receive assistance, but the guidelines and procedures can seem overwhelming,” stated Craig Brown, Economic Development Strategist at the Brooke-Hancock Jefferson Metropolitan Planning Commission (BHJ-MPC).

“Our goal is to help businesses get over these obstacles and create a stronger and more resilient economic environment,” Brown continued, “We can do this by helping local people understand the processes and successfully complete the necessary applications.”

Brown said that he was glad many local businesses have taken advantage of programs like the Paycheck Protection Program offered by the Small Business Administration, but that other lesser-known programs can also benefit Brooke Hancock and Brooke Counties.

He said that local business owners should check out the West Virginia CARES Act Small Business Grant Program. Funds are now available for many different uses, including installation of drive-thru windows, contactless equipment, and much more.

Brown concluded, “We have to approach the economic fallout from COVID-19 like we would a natural disaster; by studying, planning, and rebuilding to assure our region’s long-term strength and resiliency.”

According to J.P. Morgan Chase, 48% of all U.S. employees work for small businesses, and 18% of all U.S. employees work for employers with twenty employees or less.

In April, unemployment numbers peaked for both Hancock and Brooke Counties. Hancock County had 17.2% unemployment, and Brooke County had 16.3% unemployment.

BHJ-MPC Executive Director Mike Paprocki added, “Recovering from this pandemic will be one of the greatest challenges ever faced by the Ohio Valley. Making sure business owners can take advantage of the help they have been offered is a good start.”

In June, West Virginia Economic Development Districts were awarded funds by the U.S. EDA to create regional economic development plans to stimulate and guide economic development efforts.

Interested businesses can get more information or schedule a free onsite or virtual meeting with Brown by visiting bhjmpc.org/covid-19assistance/ or by contacting Craig Brown at (304) 797-9666.