Pandemic relief: NC’s small businesses get additional $40M to offset costs like rent

RALEIGH — Seven months into a global pandemic, small businesses across North Carolina may now qualify for some additional help as part of a new $40 million relief package.

On Tuesday, Governor Roy Cooper announced the program to help offset fixed costs like rent, mortgage interests and utility bills.

“Small businesses are the backbone of our economy – powering our local communities and giving back in so many ways,” he said in a statement. “They deserve our support, and this new initiative can help them weather this tough time.”

The NC Mortgage, Utility and Rent Relief (MURR), administered by the North Carolina Department of Commerce, can provide up to $20,000 in relief funds per qualifying business location.

Business applicants from certain industry sectors that have not been able to operate during the COVID period may apply for up to two of their business locations.

Applicants can apply for up to four months of mortgage interest or rent expenses, and utility expenses.

Applications to the program should open next week and will be handled on a first-come, first-served basis.

Applicants must certify that they were closed during the period April 1 through July 31, 2020; they expect to be able to operate after the COVID crisis has passed; and they have not been reimbursed by any other federal source for the expenses for which they seek reimbursement through this program.

Eligible applicants include: