MOUNT LAUREL, NJ – Burlington County Commissioner Dan O’Connell announced the County will continue to offer businesses assistance and services even as they emerge from the COVID-19 crisis.

Speaking to business leaders from across the region at the Chamber of Commerce of Southern New Jersey’s Regional Economic Perspective Breakfast earlier this week, O’Connell predicted local businesses would rebound stronger than ever following the pandemic.

“People talk about going back to normal, and I have to agree with them, but only to a point. The pandemic taught us that in certain areas, we needed to improve, and we have,” O’Connell said during his keynote address. “Moving forward we are not looking to go back to normal but to create an even better atmosphere for our businesses and residents to flourish.”

Among the programs, O’Connell highlighted is Burlington County’s Health Emergency Loan Program, also known as HELP, which offers up to $50,000 in zero-interest loans to local businesses impacted by the health crisis. Businesses can use the money to hire back workers, purchase equipment or make renovations or improvements to their facilities.

“These businesses are ones who fell through the cracks and either did not qualify or were unable to get federal or state help,” said O’Connell.

Several local businesses have already received loans, and more are currently going through the application process. O’Connell encouraged other local businesses in need to apply quickly before the program’s scheduled sunset date in June. To apply, go to  https://www.bcbridges.org/covid19-resources/

Burlington County is also assisting businesses through its Shop Burlington County First initiative, which promotes local businesses on the County website and social media pages. More than 200 businesses have been spotlighted since the initiative was revived by the Commissioners in 2020.

Businesses interested in being spotlighted should email the Burlington County Commissioners Office at news@co.burlington.nj.us