December 3, 2020 11:05 a.m.

In the KQEN Business Spotlight:

The Douglas County COVID-19 Business Grant Program will begin taking applications at 12:00 p.m. on Friday.

CCD Business Development Corporation has been contracted to deploy the program.

The Oregon Legislature, in partnership with Governor Kate Brown, allocated $55 million of federal CARES Act funds to provide financial assistance to small businesses affected by economic conditions as a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The funds were allocated to counties to give out in the form of grants to small businesses who have been financially impacted.

Funds will be equally accessible to all businesses within these categories:

*Hospitality within the service industry including hotels and motels, bed and breakfast inns, RV parks, recreational and vacation camps, caterers, wineries, breweries, event planning, travel agencies, tour operators, theme parks, bowling alleys and theaters

*Restaurants that do not have a drive-up operation

*Gyms and fitness facilities

These federal funds are directed to affected businesses with fewer than 100 employees.

Eligible grant amounts will range from $5,000 to $75,000.

CCD Executive Director Theresa Haga said they need businesses to apply and act fast. She said there is a very short time to disburse a large amount of money. Haga said they are trying to help as many local businesses as possible while the money is available.

To apply, go to www.ccdbusiness.org at 12:00 p.m. on Friday. Applications will be accepted through 5:00 p.m. on Friday December 11th.