April 29th, 2020 by WCBC Radio

More than 20,000 applications were received by the Maryland Department of Commerce for a grant program designed to help small businesses and nonprofits suffering financially as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. WBAL is reporting that 2,700 applications have been approved totaling about $26 million in relief. A Department of Commerce spokeswoman says some of that money has been awarded but it is not clear how much.

Gov. Larry Hogan announced the COVID-19 Emergency Relief Grant Fund last month. The fund was set up with $50 million to help small businesses and nonprofits.

The state stopped accepting applications on April 6 and other applications are being reviewed by the commerce department.

It is not clear exactly how many businesses will be helped with the relief grant fund but it is expected to be in the thousands.

Commerce department officials say they have been in contact with the businesses that have applied.

Grants of up to $10,000 were being given out, officials said.