COVID-19 Relief fund distributes $350K to Lehigh Valley businesses

The Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce and business leaders in the community raised and granted $353,000 to local small businesses struggling with COVID-19-related expenses.

After two rounds with $150,000 pools of grant money, organizers of the COVID-19 relief fund were able to raise and distribute a third pool of funds totaling $53,000 thanks to an infusion from Wells Fargo Bank.

“It’s unbelievable how much these companies and individuals want to help. We have a big footprint, but our community is tight knit. Matching investment from BB&T, now Truist, Capital BlueCross, Equinox Benefits Consulting, ESSA Bank, David Jaindl, Dynegy, Walmart/Sams Club, Wells Fargo, Nelligan, Unum and individuals like Lehigh student, Angelica Benares along with the chamber funds have made this all possible,” said Tony Iannelli, president and CEO of the chamber.

The third fund was opened and the money disbursed last week. The three funding rounds were set up to provide $1,000 grants to businesses suffering from financial hardship because of the pandemic shut down.

More than 300 businesses received money.