Gov. Tom Wolf's administration further elaborated on the small business grants unveiled earlier this week meant to counter the impacts of COVID-19 pandemic restrictions.

In a news release Thursday, Department of Community and Economic Development Secretary Dennis Davin issued more guidelines and additional details for the COVID-19 Relief Statewide Small Business Grants. The information was also posted to the department's website.

“COVID-19 has put a significant strain on all of Pennsylvania's businesses and communities, and the COVID-19 Relief Statewide Small Business Assistance Program will expeditiously provide assistance to Pennsylvania's small businesses, which we know are hurting,” Davin said.

In its latest announcement, the department elaborated on what makes a business eligible.

An eligible business must have 25 or fewer employees and may receive a maximum grant of $50,000.

The business must have been in operation on Feb. 15 and, if required, paid income taxes to the state and federal government. By applying for the grant, the applicant also acknowledges it has been adversely impacted by the pandemic.

Grant applicants will need to use the money to solely cover COVID-19 related costs, and during the period beginning June 1 and ending December 31, the applicant may not receive another grant under this state program.

Under the program, $225 million was made available for COVID-19 relief to small businesses by offering loan payment deferment and portfolio loan loss reserves, main street business revitalization grants, and historically disadvantaged business revitalization grants.

“This critical funding will help undeserved businesses such as minority-owned businesses and other businesses in historically underserved areas begin recovery efforts and get back on their feet,” Davin said.

The funds will be distributed by Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI) which offer financing that invests federal dollars alongside private sector capital in small businesses and real estate projects. CDFI are certified by the U.S. Treasury Department.

There are 17 CDFI in Pennsylvania, and there are three that cover Butler County. These include Bridgeway Capital, with offices in Pittsburgh, Erie and Uniontown; the Progress Fund, with offices in Greensburg and Pittsburgh; and the Reinvestment Fund, with headquarters in Philadelphia.

Katherine Chamberlain, director of communication for Bridgeway Capital, said the CDFI received guidance on eligibility Thursday, but they have not yet received guidance on applications.

“The details are being put together, and CDFIs are working with the (Department of Community and Economic Development) and other agencies,” Chamberlain said.

A call made to the Progress Fund yielded an automated warning that the institution was not ready to accept applications yet.

“Please be aware the guidelines and applications are being developed,” the message said. “No applications are being accepted at this time.”

The message directed anyone calling about the grants to its website, which it expects will have updates after June 18.

Chamberlain said while the application process is still being molded, Bridgeway Capital is offering some opportunity to get a head start through a form on its website.

“It's not the application, but it's an inquiry form to get you started,” she said.

Chamberlain said Bridgeway Capital has already been offering other forms of assistance in loans and financing to help small businesses respond and recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.

“As a lender with a social mission, we provide fair, flexible financing for entrepreneurs and community partners that create social and economic impact in underinvested communities,” Chamberlain said. “Bridgeway helps our clients pursue new opportunities for economic mobility, create jobs, and revitalize neighborhoods.”