The Roanoke County Economic Development Department announced Monday it has launched a $1 million small business grant program to help businesses suffering from COVID-19 closures in the county and the town of Vinton.

The program is being funded through the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act and will help businesses to cover operating expenses, develop online sales and ensure worker and customer safety.

“Business closures due to the COVID-19 pandemic created a great hardship for employees, owners, customers, our community and our economy,” Roanoke County Economic Development Director Jill Loope said in a statement. “Throughout the pandemic and closure, we have been in contact with businesses to connect them to resources and help them recover. And while the amount of money we are able to grant can never begin to make everyone whole, we believe the grant program will be of significant help to many.”

Applications open on Monday, and grants will be based on the number of employees businesses had prior to the pandemic’s onset. 

The one-time grants of up to $10,000 will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Businesses with between one and five employees can receive up to $2,500, six to 10 employees can receive up to $5,000, 11 to 25 employees can receive up to $7,500 and businesses with more than 25 employees are eligible for the maximum grant.

Eligible applicants must be an existing for-profit business located in Roanoke County with fewer than 500 employees; be current on all fees, permits and taxes as of March 1; have been in business for a minimum of one year prior March 1; have at least one employee (excluding the owner); and have a valid Roanoke County (or town of Vinton) business license. All businesses must demonstrate negative impacts from closure due to COVID-19.

Nonprofits, banks and financial service companies are not eligible to apply. Businesses that are not currently in operation or are currently closed also are unable to receive funding.

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