Small businesses in Maine can apply for the second round of storm relief funding

Maine Governor Janet Mills announced Tuesday that a second round of applications for storm relief funds is now open for small businesses in Maine still looking to rebuild and recover from last winter’s devastating storms . About $2 million is still available for small businesses and nonprofit organizations in the Business Recovery and Resilience Fund, which was created as part of the $60 million severe weather relief package secured by Mills and passed by the Legislature earlier this year was approved by Maine. “We want to ensure that every business can benefit.” “We are able to do this through these recovery and resilience funds,” Mills said in a statement. “The severe storms last December and January disrupted business operations during the busy holiday season and created significant hardship for communities across Maine. I encourage all eligible Maine businesses to consider applying for this final round of funding.” Businesses and nonprofits can initially apply for up to $100,000 to help offset the design, permitting and construction costs of their project. Projects receiving grants may include a recovery component for damage sustained during last winter’s storms and must include efforts to increase business resilience to future storms and other climate conditions. The governor’s office said funds awarded under the program can cover up to 50% of the total project cost, with applicants providing matching funds equal to the total amount requested. Applications must demonstrate that the funding supports efforts to make properties more resilient to future weather events. The funding application portal and a document with frequently asked questions and additional information are available on the Maine Office of Business Development website. Applications must be submitted no later than January 14, 2025, 11:59 p.m. The Mills administration has already awarded approximately $8 million to 109 Maine businesses and nonprofits as part of the first round of business recovery and resiliency grants. The governor’s administration also awarded $21.2 million in resiliency grants to help rebuild 68 functioning waterfronts and $25.2 million in grants to 39 communities to help them recover Building a more resilient infrastructure. Related content: