The fund was created to encourage recovery, resilience and long-term viability of local small businesses and nonprofit organizations in the face of severe economic hardship resulting from the pandemic. The fund was established with CARES Act money distributed by the state to municipalities, counties and special districts.

The Business Relief Fund will aid businesses and nonprofits with expenses incurred between March 10 and Dec. 30. Eligible expenses include rent or mortgage payments, utility payments, employee payroll, accounts payable and other bills, payment of fixed debts and expenses associated with adapting/repurposing services.

Businesses and nonprofits whose applications are approved will receive up to $15,000 in grant funds. These funds will be distributed by Dec. 18.

Eligibility details and the application are available at www. DurangoGov.org/DBRF. Applications and supporting documents should be submitted by Dec. 9 via email to [email protected].

For more information, contact Devon Schmidt at Devon. [email protected] or 759-0140.