Houston area small businesses still recovering from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic will soon get the chance to apply for relief funding through a new Harris County initiative. 

County Judge Lina Hidalgo this week announced plans for a $30 million relief fund aimed at supporting micro and small businesses. The fund will use money earmarked for Harris County recovery from the American Rescue Plan Act. The Texas nonprofit LiftFund will administer the distribution of funds to applying organizations based on a transparent scoring system that will prioritize businesses and business owners in vulnerable areas as well as minority- and women-owned businesses. Grants will range from $5,000 to $25,000. 

“Running a small business is a huge challenge, even during the good times,” Hidalgo said in announcing the fund. “The personal sacrifices that small business owners make day in and day out for their community are huge and we owe it to them to support them as we make it through the COVID-19 crisis and the associated economic challenges.”

Harris County Commissioners approved the program on August 10 and businesses will be able to apply starting September 20 via a new website that will be linked from the county site. Applicants will need to be businesses registered in Harris County with: 

• 30 or fewer employees; 
• annual revenue of less than $500,000 in 2019 and 2020; 
• and in operation before March 11, 2020.

Applications for the program will run for two weeks beginning Sept. 20. A website with additional information for applicants is slated to go live on Aug. 20, Hidalgo said.

Harris County approved a similar small business relief fund last year using federal funding from the CARES Act.

Get the latest COVID-19 guidance and information via our resources page.