POLAND TOWNSHIP — The board of trustees has set aside a portion of its American Rescue Plan funding for small businesses in both the township and the village that were impacted by the pandemic.

The board approved an allotment of $25,000 last month at a special meeting to discuss how it wants to spend the $1.2 million of unrestricted ARP funds it received. Trustee Edward Kempers said the board made the decision in an effort to give back to the people of Poland.

“We want this money to go back to the people,” Kempers said.

Small businesses in the village and the township that saw at least a 25 percent loss in revenue in 2019 and 2020, proven through filed tax returns, are eligble to receive up to $5,000 through the grant program.

The application process will remain open until 4 p.m. May 2, according to Kempers. Eligble businesses must have less than $1.5 million in gross revenue / receipts on an annual basis, and can have no more than 50 employees.

Ineligible businesses include: adult entertainment establishments; banks, savings and loan or credit unions; e-commerce-only companies; liquor and wine stores; vaping stores;

tobacco stores; cannabis dispensaries and franchised businesses that are not locally owned and independently operated.

Businesses also must be in good standing with all applicable government regulations, and be current with all federal, state, county and local taxes and fees.

The township received $1.2 million in ARP funds, half of which it already received with the other half set to arrive in the next month or so. The board already took care of township departments, including a long list of upgrades to the township administration building and new, upgraded equipment for the police and road departments. It also set aside $65,000 for projects at the township park, including a paving project and a possible pickleball / tennis court.

“All of the things we paid for goes back to protect the township and keep it safe,” Kempers said.

Businesses owners can apply through the township’s website at www.polandtownship.com/businessrelief.

lnickel@tribtoday.com