Governor Janet Mills announced today that her Administration will launch a second phase of the Maine Economic Recovery Grant Program beginning Wednesday, September 23, 2020.
Phase 2 will make available approximately $95 million in remaining funds from Phase 1 and expand access to the program by increasing the number of eligible businesses and non-profits. Under Phase 2, businesses and non-profits that employ up to 250 people will be eligible for grant rewards. Additionally, licensed childcare and behavioral health organizations will be eligible in this round. The Department of Economic and Community Development estimates that nearly 3,000 more businesses and non-profit organizations will be eligible for grants as a result of the program’s expansion.
Additionally, the Governor announced that up to $5 million of the $95 million will be dedicated to support the viability of businesses less than a year old, which were not previously eligible. The Maine Technology Institute (MTI) will lead the application review and financial disbursement of awards in their seven sectors.
The Maine Economic Recovery Grant Program is intended to help sustain the viability of Maine’s small businesses and nonprofits – not to replace lost profits – by providing short-term
“While these grants cannot wholly replace or repair the economic damage this pandemic has caused, we hope that they will help sustain businesses through this difficult time. As always, I continue to urge Congress to step up to provide greater relief to the people and State of Maine,” said Governor Mills. said Governor Mills.
For additional information about the program, please visit the Department of Economic and Community’s website.
The Economic Development Districts, which administer the program across the state, report to the Department of Economic and Community Development that
Grants may be used to cover expenses, including but not limited to: payroll costs and expenses; rent or mortgage payments for business facilities; utilities payments; necessary operating expenses; expenses incurred to replenish inventory or other necessary re-opening expenses; purchase of personal protective equipment required by the business or business related equipment. Funds must be spent on operations that are strictly within Maine. Recipients are liable for any misuse of funds, and the grants are subject to audit.