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Coronavirus: Applications now open for new round of small business grants

OLYMPIA, Wash. — Struggling business owners are rushing to get help from the state, as a new lifeline has been launched for small businesses hit hard by the governor’s latest round of restrictions.

Business owners can now apply for a Working Washington Small Business Grant through an online portal that opened Wednesday.

Businesses can apply for part of $50 million in grant money and receive up to $20,000. That money must be used to help remedy a hardship related to COVID-19.

Businesses with less than $5 million in annual revenue in 2019 can apply for the latest round of grants.

The grants are prioritized for businesses most impacted by recent restrictions such as restaurants, gyms, bowling alleys, music and event venues.

Priority will be given to applications received by Dec. 11. Applications received after that date will only be considered if the commerce department is able to fund all the applicants who applied earlier.

Gov. Jay Inslee announced the latest round of emergency funding last month, which includes business loans, $20 million in rental assistance and $15 million in utility payment assistance for those with low income.

Visit the Washington State Department of Commerce for more information and to apply.