Williamson County is set to launch its second small-business grant program March 17. This program is geared toward businesses in the food, drink and lodging industries.

In March, the Commissioners Court set aside an additional $10 million for the program from the approximately $93 million coronavirus relief aid funding it received in April.

Under the second round of grants, the following businesses are eligible for the financial assistance.

• food services, such as restaurants, food trucks and caterers;
• bars; and
• hotels, motels, including bed and breakfasts.

Each business that applies is eligible to receive up to $500 per employee with a maximum amount of $10,000. Businesses will have to provide a certification that they have been adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic as well as other documentation, the release said.

Applications can be found online at www.wilco.org/forward. The deadline is April 16.

“As our businesses finally return to fully-opened nearly a year later, our restaurant, bar, and hospitality businesses have continued to be significantly affected by government-mandated closures," Williamson County Treasurer Scott Heselmeyer said in the release. "Williamson County’s responsible management of CARES Act dollars over the last year has left us with resources available to help these businesses get back on their feet.”

The county's first small-business grant program assisted more than 3,600 business, distributing more than $34 million in grant checks.