FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Sherris Moreira; sherris@cityofsharon.net
DATE: Dec. 21, 2022
CITY OF SHARON, PA ANNOUNCES GRANT PROGRAM FOR WEBSITES AND SECURITY
PROGRAM, FUNDED BY THE COMMUNUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM, TO ASSIST SHARON BUSINESSES WITH GROWTH, TECHNOLOGY
UP TO 25 GRANTS AVAILABLE FOR WEBSITES AND UP TO 40 GRANTS AVAILABLE FOR SECURITY TECH;
APPLICATION PROGRAM OPEN THROUGH JANUARY 31, 2023
SHARON, PA – The City of Sharon is announcing two grant programs for websites and security technology for the Sharon business community that kicks off Thursday, Dec. 22. The program, which runs through the municipality’s Community Development Block Grant Program, will provide websites for businesses that don’t have them, and funding to purchase security tech.
“The website funding comes from CDBG Covid allocations approved in 2021 by Sharon City Council,” said Suzanne Kepple, Sharon’s CDBG Program Manager, adding that the website grant includes equipment. “The security tech grant comes from economic development funding for micro-enterprises.”
CDBG funding is administered by the US Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD), explained Kepple, adding that funds for the website grant are for small businesses, defined on HUD’s website as less than 500 employees for most categories. Micro-enterprises mean 5 employees or less, including the owner, she said, referencing the security tech grant.
This program was created collaboratively when the Downtown Development team reported back information to Kepple that they received from their interactions with the Sharon business community that helped identify business needs.
“One of the things that kept coming up was the need for a website,” said Sherris Moreira, Director of Downtown Development. “Many businesses have a Facebook page, but that kind of online presence is just borrowed property in the long run and can be taken away or shut down. By helping our business community have their own websites, they will now have a virtual presence that belongs to them and will also raise the online presence of the entire city too.”
As for the tech grant, which can be used toward store security equipment, it can be considered a tool to protect a business’s investment as well as a safety enhancement. “This funding will help support businesses in the Sharon community, supplement workplace safety and help protect their investment,” said Bob Fiscus, Manager of the City of Sharon, adding that he’s pleased about providing more support for the Sharon business community in general. “I’m happy that the city can assist our businesses, to help them with their ability to grow and be sustainable.”
Grant applications can be found on the City’s website under Community Development and Public Notices. They’ll also be announced on Sharon’s social media sites starting Thursday, Dec. 22.
For additional details, contact Suzanne Kepple, at Skepple@cityofsharon.net; or 724.983.3231 or the Downtown Development Director Sherris Moreira at sherris@cityofsharon.net
Round 1 - New Website - Application Small Business Tech Assistance Website Program.docx
Application Microenterprise Technology Services Program - Security.docx
