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State Treasurer John M. Schroder announced small businesses can start applying for grants through the Main Street Recovery Program. Applications can be completed online at www.louisianamainstreet.com.

The application period for the program began Tuesday.

Act 311 of the Louisiana 2020 Regular Session set aside $275 million from the CARES Act for the Louisiana Main Street Recovery Program. The program is designed to reimburse small businesses for pandemic-related expenses through grants.

“Our small businesses are the backbone of our economy, and they’re hurting because of the financial impact of COVID-19,” Schroder said. “I encourage every small business owner to visit our website, take the eligibility quiz and apply if they meet the requirements. We don’t want our businesses to close. We want them to thrive.”

Main Street offers two grant options:

• QuickRelief offers an abbreviated application process and reduced documentation requirements, and will give grants of up to $5,000 to qualifying businesses who received $1,000 or less in federal funding or other assistance.
• Cost Reimbursement will give grants of up to $15,000 to qualifying businesses who can show eligible expenses related to the pandemic.