900 grants worth $18 million.

Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) is encouraging small business owners in rural locations across America to apply for their Rural Relief Small Business Grants program. The grant opened on on Monday, September 28 and will close on October 5 just before midnight, so if you are eligible you will need to apply this weekend.

Which businesses are eligible?

Only small businesses with business addresses in rural communities are eligible for this grant. To be considered rural, a community must have a population of less than 50,000 people. All potential applicants should review the LISC’s FAQ and grant information before applying.

The program is intended to support small businesses affected by Covid-19 with priority given to businesses in underserved communities with minority or veteran entrepreneurs. Non-profit organizations are not eligible for the relief funding at this time.

The application process

The applications will be available in “rounds” and a new application must be submitted for each round to be considered in that round. The application period for 9/28-10/5 is now available. Apply here.

Applications will be scored on criteria that prioritizes particularly challenged businesses. The final grantees will be randomly chosen from top scoring applicants.

CGA Law Firm can help

If you have questions about LISC’s Rural Relief Small Business Grant or any other relief program, please contact a CGA Business Law attorney.

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