DOVER, Del.- The second round of applications began Thursday morning for Delaware Relief Grants.
The program is aimed at small businesses and nonprofits in the First State that have been struggling during the pandemic.
A global pandemic has made things more difficult than ever. William Post runs The Governor's Bed and Breakfast with his wife in Milton. For them, the threat of the virus is very real.
"We have to be careful where we take people from because we're older, and I don't really wanna import the virus into Delaware," Post said.
Director of The Delaware Division of Small Business Damian DeStefano hopes those funds will give a much needed lifeline to some.
"A lot of time, people's life savings are tied up in their family owned businesses," DeStefano said. "So it's crucial that we assist them at this pivotal time for them. And if we can save some of those businesses, I think we'll have done a good job."
The Division of Small Business said they already received over 800 applications for close to $30 million since the second round was opened at 10 a.m. Thursday. Needless to say, many businesses aren't wasting any time this time around.
Lynn Rogers, the president of Rogers Sign Company, knows just how important these grants are.
"It's crucial for a business to stay afloat," Rogers said. And the times that we're in, it's very unpredictable."
With the applications open now, the State of Delaware is hoping its small businesses can keep the doors open until the pandemic is under control.
You can find more information on how to apply for the Delaware Relief Grants here.
There is also a hotline you can call for help filling out your application. That help line is 302-672-6816.