Small businesses 'hit the hardest' by the pandemic could be eligible for Harris County grant program

Small businesses in Harris County that were negatively impacted by COVID-19 could be eligible for some financial assistance from the county's $30 million Small Business Relief Fund that launched on Sept. 20.

The grant program was established to help micro and small businesses recover from the economic hardships created by the pandemic. 

"Our smallest small businesses have the biggest positive impact on our community," Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo wrote in a Sept. 20 tweet. "Unfortunately they've been hit the hardest by COVID-19. Today we're proud to open our new $30 million Small Business Relief Fund."

In order to be eligible for these grant dollars, the business needs to be located in Harris County, have 30 or fewer employees, were in business before April of 2020, have less than $500,000 in revenue for both 2019 & 2020, and have no outstanding overdue taxes or liabilities. Applicants are only able to receive one award through the grant program, even if the business has more than one physical location. 

"We're determined to help small businesses in Harris County recover from the economic impacts of COVID-19," Hidalgo's office tweeted on Sept. 20. "Our $30 million Small Business Relief Fund applications open today! This fund will help small businesses get back on their feet."

Businesses could be awarded grants ranging from $5,000 to $25,000, KHOU reported.

"We need you to apply," Hidalgo told KHOU in an interview about the grant program. "If you have been hit hard by the pandemic, this is for you."

According to the fund's website, applications are being accepted now through Oct. 4 with grants issued monthly from November through January. 

Money for the grant program came from the federal American Rescue Plan Act Local Fiscal Recovery Funds, KHOU reported. 

Businesses wishing to apply can fill out the application online.