The Worcester County Economic Development (WCED) is now accepting applications for a new program that will provide grants of up to $10,000 to local restaurants.

The County is encouraging restaurant owners affected by the COVID-19 to apply for the Worcester County Restaurant Relief Grant Program. Applications will be accepted until Nov. 30, or until funds run out. WCED and an independent review board will award grants ranging from $5,000- $10,000 depending on the number of full-time equivalent employees.

From the press release:

“Worcester County’s Restaurant Relief Grant Program provides individual restauranteurs with grant relief of up to ten-thousand dollars to help restaurants with payroll and rent, outdoor dining expenses, site upgrades, carryout tech support, sanitation, and supplies,” Worcester County Tourism and Economic Development Director Melanie Pursel said.

As previously reported on Conduit Street, Governor Larry Hogan recently announced that the state will provide county governments with a total of $50 million to support direct aid to local restaurants and foodservice businesses. Counties must allocate all funds by December 31, 2020.

For more information, view the full press release.