Small business owners that have been adversely impacted by the recent Executive Order 20-99 that forced businesses to close or reduce service are encouraged to access the $2.7 million that is available under the state’s Small Business Relief Grant program.

Wright County’s online application process went live last week and will continue until the deadline of Friday, Jan. 29.

To learn more about the background of the businesses that are eligible in three different classifications of small businesses, including sole-proprietor businesses, go to: https://mn-wrightcounty.civicplus.com/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=2204.

For those looking to learn more about the submission requirements of the program, which includes 2020 tax forms, one can enter the application portal, which is located in the left gutter of the county’s website (www.co.wright.mn.us).

Once the online submission is received, it is reviewed by a committee of county staff and commissioners for approval and checks are authorized at the next county board meeting.

All unexpended funds will be returned to the state, so even if a small business isn’t looking for the maximum award amount ($20,000 for businesses with multiple employees, $6,000 for sole-proprietor businesses), residents are encouraged to look into the possibility of going through the application process prior to the Jan. 29 deadline.