Chester County officials hosted a Telephone Town Hall on Tuesday morning to reassure local business leaders affected by the coronavirus crisis that they are not alone and help is coming, writes Fran Maye for the Daily Local News.

Guy Ciarrocchi, the CEO of the Chester County Chamber of Business and Industry, said business owners can expect to receive relief in the following days and weeks. This will be in the form of new programs and loans, along with legislation to adjust the tax code.

The possibilities include individual and business tax cuts, individual cash assistance, cash payments for individual taxpayers, and changes to the business payroll tax cut. Also under consideration are changes in family leave policy, extending tax deadlines, low-interest loans, and loan restructuring.

“Our message to everyone right now is to continue to do what you’ve been doing, communicate with employees and neighbors, and cooperate,” said Ciarrocchi.

However, some participants said that instead of loans, small businesses in the county need immediate, no-strings-attached help to survive.

“We need grants,” said one caller. “It takes $2,000 to $5,000 per week to cover utilities, rents, mortgages, health insurance, and their business insurance.”

Read more about the issue in the Daily Local News here.

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