Secretary Schulz says there’s strong interest in these programs.
Frederick, Md (KM) It’s been a busy time at the Maryland Department of Commerce. Secretary Kelly Schulz says personnel have been processing applications for business people who are suffering because of the coronavirus emergency.
A number of them were ordered closed by the Governor as a way to help stop the spread of COVID-19, and others are seeing fewer customers. “I’m, as devastated as anybody for the businesses that are having a hard time right now looking how they’re going to get through,” says Schulz, who was a guest recently on WFMD’s “Morning News Express.”:
She was asked how the application process is going, and whether businesses are spending huge amounts of time making application, and if the process could be more streamlined. “It is an on-line application, and it’s a very streamlined application,” Schulz responded. “I have heard from people that they have done, for example, the grant application in 15-minutes.”
As part of a relief for small businesses, Governor Larry Hogan has set aside $175-million to assist companies which are hurting from the coronavirus pandemic. Schulz says there’s been strong interest among the state’s business owners. “I can tell we’ve have 20,000 applicants for those programs,” she says.
Interested business people who need help should go on line to businessexpress.maryland.gov/coronavirus.
Schulz further says that anyone having difficulty making application should contact her office at [email protected]. “We have series of folks in our office and sister agencies to help them with specific questions, and technical assistance,” she says.
On March 23rd, the Governor issued an executive order closing all non-essential businesses in Maryland Secretary Schulz was asked how long would these emergency measures last. “I don’t think anybody is certain as to what the timing is,” she replied. . “I would say as much as we see increased hospitalizations, that’s probably not a good time to continue reopening and to take away that social distancing standard.”
By Kevin McManus