Local small businesses in Bedford County receive additional CARES Act Funding

BEDFORD COUNTY, Pa. (WJAC) — Many businesses are still feeling the effects of the major shutdowns which occurred at the start of the pandemic. But in Bedford County, more money was just awarded to dozens of local businesses to help.

The Bedford County Commissioners awarded a second round of over $500,000 to local businesses who are struggling because of the pandemic. The types of businesses range from restaurants to retail stores and even gyms.

At the start of the pandemic, ProCare Fitness Bedford was forced to close their doors for 10 weeks bringing on many challenges.

“We lost a lot of revenue. We had plans going into the shutdown of some new equipment, new certification. That’s still on the agenda. Getting equipment, getting some new classes,” said owner of ProCare Fitness Bedford, Blair Leydig.

As a result, ProCare Fitness applied and received over 20 thousand dollars in CARES Act Funding. Another business which benefited from these grants, is Bedford Candies.

“We’ve used both grants and loans for payroll, to buy more inventory. It became necessary to bulk up on product well you could get it,” said owner of Bedford Candies, Adam Wiley.

In March, Bedford Candies was forced to lay off multiple employees. Now with the help of these grants, they have brought their full staff back.

“It’s really been helpful just not knowing day to day and even the employees not knowing where the business is at for job security and that kind of thing,” said Wiley.

Owner of ProCare Fitness Bedford, Blair Leydig says the timing of these grants couldn’t have come at a better time.

“Everybody needs a couple extra hours and a couple of extra dollars around Christmas time and if I can do that for them and you know give them a couple of extra hours and this helps to cover it then that’s what it’s for. To keep the doors open keep the staff and keep it clean as possible,” said Leydig.

View the full list of businesses who received grants, here.

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