A new grant program is available for Richland County business owners who have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Applications are open for the COVID-19 Small Business Relief Grant program, which can provide up to $15,000 in reimbursable expenses to small businesses in the County. The application and guidelines are available online: https://richlandcountysc.gov/cv19grant.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development allocated $300,000 for the grant. Richland County’s Office of Small Business Opportunity (OSBO) and Community Planning and Development Department will manage the program.

“OSBO is very excited about the opportunity to offer financial assistance to small businesses that were affected by COVID-19,” said Erica Wade, OSBO manager. “We thrive on sustainability and capacity building. Being able to take advantage of this opportunity can assist with obtaining both.”

Businesses in Richland County that have 50 or fewer employees and can demonstrate revenue loss because of COVID-19 can qualify for aid. They must also have been in operation a year before March 2021, among other requirements. Certain types of businesses (e.g., hotels, franchises, and financial or lending institutions) are not eligible.

Applications will be accepted first-come, first served until all grant funding is dispersed.

For more information, including eligibility requirements or help with the application, contact OSBO at 803-576-1540 or email osbo@richlandcountysc.gov.