Fort Bend County began accepting applications for the Small Business Grant Program, a forgivable grant program for small businesses in the area, on Dec. 16. Up to $25,000 is available for small businesses in Fort Bend County that have been affected financially by the coronavirus pandemic.

To qualify, a business must have at least one employee and must have generated at least $25,000 (not to exceed $5 million) in revenue in 2019. Expenses noted for the application must have been incurred during 2020 after April 3.

Fort Bend County Commissioners Court approved the additional grant funds Dec. 8 for businesses that have not applied for funding previously. Since its launch, the Small Business Grant Program has already awarded more than $47.5 million to Fort Bend County businesses.

Applications are being accepted online at www.fortbendcounty.com/grants.