PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – More money could be coming to small businesses across Pennsylvania. At least, that’s the plan from Governor Josh Shapiro .
The Democrat was in Philadelphia Thursday to tout his “Main Street Matters” program, a proposed $25 million investment to boost the small business community.
“Every community is linked with a Main Street,” Shapiro said at Two Locals Brewing Company in University City. “And you can often tell the health and vitality of the community based on the strength of that Main Street.”
Shapiro toured the 52nd Street business corridor in West Philly and spoke at the brewery to push his proposal. Two Locals recently opened near 36th and Market , and co-founder Mengistu Koilor said he was happy to host the Governor.
“It’s huge,” said Koilor. “It shows that he cares, and I’d like to see other businesses get the same sort of support as well.”
Support for small businesses is what Shapiro said Main Street Matters aims to bring. The proposed $25 million would be used in multiple ways, according to the governor. One would be a direct investment in businesses, something Koilor says is vital.