The state is expanding its DE Relief Grants Program for businesses and nonprofits as it imposes a new set of COVID-19 restrictions.
The grants, a joint effort between the state and New Castle County, will provide up to $25 million in additional relief for hundreds of businesses disproportionately impacted by the pandemic and restrictions.
"There are certain businesses that didn't apply or maybe didn't qualify for the first round," said Gov. John Carhey. "They can apply with a deadline of December 4th because remember these are federal funds that have to be expended by the end of the year."
The program is funded by federal CARES Act money.
Qualifying businesses include restaurants and taprooms, and Carney says they will be able to receive double their original grant allocation.
"To enable those businesses who've already qualified and they've gotten a relief grant as a restaurant to double the original grant amount," said Carney. "So if they got $100,000 in the first iteration of this, now they will be eligible almost automatically for another $100,000 to enable them to get to the other side."
Funds from the grant can be used to purchase equipment to make businesses safe from COVID-19, refinancing of debt incurred due to the pandemic, technological enhancements to adapt businesses for COVID-19, and fixed expenses like rent, mortgage, utilities that’s been deferred during the pandemic.
The application deadline is December 4
