*VPM intern Clara Haizlett reported this story
Small business owners in Chesterfield County can start applying this week for financial relief through the Chesterfield County Microenterprise Relief Fund, a grant program financed by the federal CARES act. The fund provides grants of up to $10,000 to businesses that have been negatively impacted by the pandemic.
That money can help cover payroll, rent, utilities, and other expenses.
To qualify, the business must employ five people or fewer, and the business owner's household income must be less than 80% of the area's median income. In 2019, Chesterfield's median household income was $80,214.
Applications will be accepted here on a rolling basis until all funds are distributed.