Harlingen HELP Still Available to Small Businesses

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Harlingen HELP Still Available to Small Businesses

Carol and Charles Law of Chuck’s Icehouse Volleybar & Grill are recipients of HELP for Small Business. (courtesy
Carol and Charles Law of Chuck’s Icehouse Volleybar & Grill are recipients of HELP for Small Business. (courtesy

On July 28, the Harlingen Emergency Loan Program for Small Business committee gave approval to seven local businesses for business loans. The qualifying businesses’ approvals ranged from $7,000 to the maximum amount of $10,000. This is the fifth round of HELP for Small Business recipients.

Raudel Garza, Harlingen EDC CEO, says the program will continue until the allotted $1 million funds are used, or the program is discontinued.

The program began May 1 and since then, 42 small businesses have been approved for a loan. The total amount lent is now at $386,000. Funding is still available for eligible businesses.

“The HEDC and the City started this program to reach those in need, and we are doing that,” said Garza. “This program is also helping us connect better with the small businesses here. Many of them are understanding the resources available to them through the HEDC.”

More Funds Available

Small business owners are still encouraged to apply if they believe they meet the qualifications.

“We’re trying to pick up where the federal government left off for Harlingen businesses,” said Harlingen EDC Board President Eric Ziehe. “We really want to see them succeed – we want to see all businesses in Harlingen succeed.”

Ziehe added that he encourages more Harlingen business owners to take advantage of the program and apply for the loan.

Receiving funds from federal resources does not disqualify business owners if they show a bigger financial need.

“This is like a security, even if you don’t use it right away, this is yours to use. It’s going to help keep us afloat and will help give my staff a consistent paycheck,” said Desiree Gonzalez of Desiree’s Spa & Massage owner.

Gonzalez added that because her business is mainly focused on close contact with her customers, she has had to make adjustments that included purchasing personal protective equipment.

“This will really help and give some relief and some peace for a while so we can survive, so our business can survive,” she said. “I love this community and thank you for this opportunity.”

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