Fort Bend County launches small business grant program for Covid-19 relief

Fort Bend County launched a small business relief program to help vulnerable businesses get through the Covid-19 pandemic. Fort Bend County Judge KP George and other county officials announced the launch of the $22 million Fort Bend County Small Business Emergency Assistance Grant Program at a June 15 press conference. The program is funded by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act and is designed to provide grants up to $10,000 to cover "the most immediate financial needs" of small businesses, according to the program's website. The program will operate on a first-come, first-served basis. The grant funds can be used for personal protective equipment (PPE), inventory, utilities, remote-working expenses, leases, interest-only mortgage assistance, and reopening supplies, equipment and renovations, per the website.