Small businesses in Webster County that suffered losses due to the COVID-19 pandemic can apply for a grant of up to $10,000 through a new program.

The Webster County Board of Supervisors is using $250,000 of the money it received from the federal American Rescue Plan to provide the grants.

”We are trying to help those businesses who fell through the cracks when other programs and other support came out,” said county Supervisor Mark Campbell.

”We know that small businesses are the backbone of Webster County and we want to show that we are there for them and have their back,” he added.

Grant applications will be available on the web site of the Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance.

The first round of grant applications are due Oct. 15.

”One of our goals for the grant application was to simplify the process because truly the goal is to get money into the hands of businesses that need it,” said Jill Nelson, the community development director for the Growth Alliance.

To qualify for a grant, a business must be located within Webster County and it must have been established prior to March 1, 2020.

Preference will be given to small businesses that have previously received little or no pandemic related financial assistance.

Grant applications will be reviewed by a five member committee. That panel will consist of two representatives from the Growth Alliance, two appointed by the Board of Supervisors and one representative of the Small Business Development Center.

That panel will make recommendations to the Board of Supervisors, which will make the final decision on all grant awards.

Grants ranging from $2,500 to $10,000 will be available.

Businesses will be able to use the money for just about any operational purpose.

Those businesses that receive grants will be referred to the Small Business Development Center for advice on their plans.

Grant applications can be found at www.greaterfortdodge.com.