Funding Approved for Bremerton Businesses Impacted by COVID-19
Mayor Greg Wheeler announced today that a new City of Bremerton grant program will begin roll out as scheduled in the next few weeks.
Mayor Wheeler pledged $250,000 to support the program, called Bremerton Cares Small Business Rental Relief Grants. Funding is coming out of CARES Act federal grant provided to the City in response to the coronavirus. The grant will reimburse businesses for commercial rent and lease expenses up to $5,000 if they have been impacted by COVID-19. An FAQ on the program is available here.
The funds pledged by Mayor Wheeler were approved by the City Council at last night’s meeting.
“I am pleased we are able to provide this grant to Bremerton small businesses facing financial impacts due to COVID-19,” said Mayor Greg Wheeler. “The Bremerton Cares program will provide some essential relief to help small businesses during these critical times.”
TWO APPLICATION PHASES AVAILABLE FOR BREMERTON BUSINESSES
The City of Bremerton will launch the effort to small businesses in two phases. Applications are scheduled to go live at noon on two dates:
- Phase 1: August 18 ($125,000 available to Bremerton businesses)
- Phase 2: August 25 ($125,000 available to Bremerton businesses)
To be eligible, businesses must have 15 or fewer full-time employees, have a current Bremerton business license, and have experienced COVID-19 impacts while operating a business in city limits. Nonprofits and cooperatives are also permitted to apply if they meet eligibility requirements.
MORE INFORMATION
- See the FAQ on the Bremerton Cares small business grant relief program here.
- A webinar on the small business grant for the Bremerton Cares program took place on August 12.
- To apply and find details on the small business grant, including eligibility and other requirements, go to www.kitsapcaressmallbiz.com/bremerton.