Grays Harbor County’s small business grant application for businesses that suffered losses during COVID-19 shutdowns and restrictions is now available online, http://www.co.grays-harbor.wa.us/news_detail_T16_R113.php.

County Commissioners have approved the application with an initial funding allocation of $500,000. Up to $2 million, possibly more, will be available to provide relief for businesses within the county through the federal CARES Act, depending on demand and available funds.

The grant maximum per business is $10,000 and applies to businesses with 50 or fewer employees, with preference given to those with 25 or fewer employees. Businesses must show they were adversely impacted by COVID-19-related restrictions.

There will be three application submittal deadlines for three funding cycles: by noon July 6, July 20, and Aug. 3. The county urges qualified businesses to apply as soon as possible as they will be reviewed and ranked by the county’s .09 Advisory Board in order of submittal. Bottom line, it’s best to submit the application up front; if it doesn’t make the cut in the first round, it will be ready for further review during subsequent funding rounds.

The simple, two-page application includes specific requirements to qualify for the grants and a list of required documents. The application can be printed, filled out by hand and, along with the required documents, mailed to the Commissioners Office, 100 W. Broadway Suite 1, Montesano, WA 98563, or hand-delivered to the Commissioners Office after June 29 when the building is reopened to public access.

The county qualified for more than $4 million in reimbursable CARES Act relief money, which is administered through the state Department of Commerce.