Public Notices Portal - Government of Guam

Governor Directs Another $5M to Support Small Businesses

PRESS RELEASE

Posted on: 12/01/2023 02:30 PM
Posted by: Daylin Pelletier
Department(s): OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR OF GUAM
Division(s): COMMUNICATIONS OFFICE
Notice Topic(s): PRESS RELEASE
Types of Notice: PRESS RELEASE
For Audience(s): PUBLIC
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Hagåtña, Guam - On November 30, 2023, Governor Lou Leon Guerrero signed Executive Order No. 2023-15 relative to establishing a second round of Local Employers’ Assistance Program (LEAP) Supplemental Grant. The Executive Order allocates $5 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding towards LEAP II and directs the Guam Economic Development Authority (GEDA) to administer the program. These funds are in addition to the $15 million made available through Public Law No. 37-15, which Governor Leon Guerrero signed into law in May 2023.

“The COVID-19 pandemic, followed by the devastation of Typhoon Mawar, undoubtedly took a toll on our island and our people. Recognizing that the tourism industry and related businesses continue efforts in the extended recovery process, our administration is directing these dollars–as promised in my State of the Island Address earlier this year–towards ensuring their resilience,” said Governor Leon Guerrero. “We continue to stand in support of our local businesses and hope that this additional financial aid will help shoulder the burden and help carry our economy and our community forward.”

“Since the onset of the pandemic, our administration has provided over $144 million in essential financial support to local businesses, helping them to meet payroll, rent, utilities, and more,” said Lt. Governor Joshua Tenorio. “These programs include the Guam Small Business Pandemic Assistance Grant Program, Healthcare System Stabilization Grant Program, Guam Small Business Rent Assistance Grant Program, Guam Small Business Pandemic Assistance Grant Program 2021, and LEAP.”

More information on LEAP II, including criteria and the opening of the application period, will be published once available.

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