The State of Maine plans to use CARES Act relief funding to help our economy recover from the impacts of the global pandemic by supporting Maine-based businesses and non-profit organizations through an Economic Recovery Grant Program. The funding originates from the federal Coronavirus Relief Fund and will be awarded in the form of grants to directly alleviate the disruption of operations suffered by Maine’s small businesses and non-profits as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Maine Department of Economic & Community Development has been working closely with affected Maine organizations since the beginning of this crisis and has gathered feedback from all sectors on the current challenges.

Many Maine businesses and non-profits have not been able to access existing sources of relief funding and so have “fallen through the cracks” and need help in order to remain viable. Some of these businesses are from sectors hardest hit from the global pandemic, including those who remained closed for longer periods of time, businesses that have not yet re-opened, businesses that rely on seasonal cash flows, and businesses with decreased revenues due to declines in consumer spending or declining global markets. This program is not meant to be exclusive and acknowledges that nearly every industry sector in Maine has experienced a decrease in revenue.

The money available for these grants cannot wholly replace or repair the economic damage this pandemic has caused. Our narrow mission is to ensure that each dollar has at least a small, direct impact on supporting Maine businesses, Maine non-profit organizations, and Maine’s economy.

For more information, or to apply, click HERE