Earlier today, County Executive Kathy Dahlkemper announced that 181 businesses had been helped by the County Block Grant Program, with grant amounts ranging from $5,000 to $75,000. 

But some small business owners are concerned that money didn't come soon enough, even if they were approved. 

Jessica Dorman owns Creation Station on 12th Street. She says that compared to last year, sales have been down about 80%.

"I've had all but one of my birthday parties cancel [during the pandemic]", Dorman said. "Ladies nights have been hard, too. It's been a real challenge."

Dorman was one of several owners who applied for a block grant. She hasn't heard yet whether or not if she received one. 

But for her, the worry is that the money was not dolled out quick enough. 

When asked by Erie News Now when she though the money would be distributed to these businesses, Dahlkemper said she hoped for weeks, or the end of this month.

"I definitely agree that things should be done quicker and probably could have been done quicker", said Dorman. "I've been so far behind and things just keep adding up. It's like one step forward and two steps back. There's going to be no way to catch up at a certain point."

County leaders say it took time to be able to go through the application process. Erie County, however, was given the funding from the state in July. 

On a national level, time is slowly ticking away as well. Yesterday, the President announced via Twitter that he would be rejecting the House of Representatives $2.2 trillion offer.

President Trump, however, did note that he would potentially accept a "piecemeal" deal that would give $1,200 stimulus checks to most Americans. 

John Fee, Franchise Owner of Lendio Erie, believes this deal must include both small business loan and grant funding in order to help owners. His worry is that the longer time goes on that a deal isn't passed, the more places in Erie will close in 2021.

"I know the need is there and I think the longer it takes, unfortunately the more businesses you'll see go out", said Fee.

Dorman worries that without the money, she won't be able to stay open. 

"We may have to close by December, maybe even earlier", Dorman said. "We built this, my husband and I from the ground up."

"To just have it taken away, it would be soul crushing."

This story was supported by the Economic Hardship Reporting Project.