State lawmakers recently took steps to help small businesses impacted by the COVID-19 business closure order.
A total of 4,933 small businesses statewide were awarded $96 million in state grants, and legislation introduced in the House would create a grant program for small businesses that need assistance implementing COVID-19 mitigation efforts as they reopen.
The grants are funded by the COVID-19 Relief Statewide Small Business Assistance program and include $2.6 billion in federal stimulus funds through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.
Funding is to be used for training and guidance for business owners as they relaunch their businesses and for covering operating expenses during the shutdown and transition to reopening.
Slightly more than half of the grants were awarded to historically disadvantaged businesses.
Grants are available through three programs: the Main Street Business Revitalization Program, the Historically Disadvantaged Business Revitalization Program, and the Loan Payment Deferment and Loss Reserve Program.
The final round of funding runs through Aug. 28. Business owners who applied during the first round do not need to reapply.
House Bill 2790 would create grants for small businesses financially harmed by the pandemic. The grants would be for protecting against, educating about, and preventing future waves of the virus.
The bill will be assigned to committee for further review.