Editor’s note: This press release was provided by the Pelham Chamber of Commerce.

December 2020 – Pelham, NY – On December 18th, the Pelham Chamber of Commerce received a grant of $10,000 from the Westchester County Business FIRST grant program for local organizations and businesses financially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Pelham Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce it has been selected, for the first time in its history, as a recipient of the Westchester County Business FIRST (Financial Investments for Recovery and a Sustainable Tomorrow) grant for $10,000. The program is a new initiative by the Westchester County Office of Economic Development to support small businesses and nonprofits throughout the County. Administered through the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, a total of $10 million in funds is available, with a competitive application process. Applicants are scored based on several factors, including calculated need, benefit on the County business community, and good business practices as the funds are put to use. The program’s goal is to promote economic success and sustainability in the County-wide community, recognizing the recovery of local businesses and nonprofits as a crucial step towards a sustainable financial future.

Cristina Chianese, president of the Pelham Chamber of Commerce, is especially excited to use the new funding to strengthen the local economy. “These funds will have such a meaningful impact on our Pelham businesses,” she said. “We’re looking forward to working with our members to determine a strategic plan to put the grant funds to work.”

Part of this plan has already been laid out by the Chamber. Primarily, the funds will be used directly for marketing and other revenue-generating tactics to support Pelham businesses. They will also be used within Q1 and Q2 of 2021 to ensure the local economy is receiving relief as soon as possible while the COVID-19 pandemic continues. As part of the grant agreement, the Chamber is required to report back to the Westchester Government detailing how the funds have been spent to confirm solid business practices.

Prior to winning the grant, the Chamber has recently taken on several projects and initiatives to benefit Pelham businesses. Just last month, the Chamber hosted a COVID-safe Small Business Saturday event as part of its campaign to spur the local economy. In addition, its #ShopPelham pledge is another initiative launched to encourage local shopping traffic, especially during the holiday season. With the newly acquired $10,000, the Chamber is looking forward to more community activity to promote Pelham businesses.

Above all, the Chamber is thankful for the opportunity to further drive economic growth in Pelham. “We are so grateful for all the support that the Westchester County Government led by George Latimer continues to provide to towns like ours,” explained Chianese. “We are also incredibly thankful to Shari Rosen Ascher, the Advocacy and Community Liaison Leader with the Office of the Westchester County Executive. She continues to advocate for our Chamber and provide such incredible support and resources to all of Westchester.”

Moving forward, the Pelham Chamber of Commerce is excited to put the Westchester County Business FIRST funds into action as it continues to serve the Pelham small business community.