1,399 businesses receive assistance as part of Erie County Back to Business Grant Program and last updated 2020-12-28 13:38:06-05 BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) â More than 1,300 small businesses in Erie County received assistance as part of the Erie County Back to Business Grant Program. A final report on the program was issued Monday. 1,399 small businesses in Erie County received approximately $19.2 million in direct financial assistance from the U.S. CARES Act through a partnership between Erie County and 43 North. Erie County small businesses with 50 or fewer employees were eligible to apply for the program. Officials say the program prioritized businesses that had not received COVID-related aid, minority and women-owned businesses, businesses in highly-distressed zip codes, and businesses looking hire or bring back furloughed/laid off employees.