CHARLOTTE — Honeywell is stepping up to help small businesses in Charlotte’ city center during the pandemic.

The Fortune 100 technology company with headquarters in Charlotte is investing $2 million, in partnership with the Foundation For the Carolinas, to launch the Center City Small Business Innovation Fund. Priority will be shown to minority, women, and veteran-owned businesses.

“Small businesses contribute greatly to Charlotte’s growth and vibrancy, and Honeywell is proud to support them in overcoming the challenges posed by the COVID-19 crisis,” said Honeywell Chairman and CEO Darius Adamczyk, in a statement. “With the help of our two distinguished civic partners, we look forward to providing resources that small businesses in the Center City can use to make adaptations that help ensure their long-term prosperity as an integral part of our community.”

Through the fund, a diverse advisory committee will provide grants of up to $40,000 to small businesses within Charlotte’s Center City.

Small businesses within a two-mile radius of Trade Street and Tryon Street will be able to apply for grants from the fund. Applicants must outline their adaptations and innovations that will enable them to advance their business. Grants will be targeted to storefront businesses that “create unique experiences and ideas with the potential to replicate, scale, or foster collaboration.”

The Center City Small Business Innovation Fund will open for applications on June 26.

Honeywell is a major manufacturer of electronics, aerospace and electronics. Last year, it relocated its global headquarters to Charlotte.

The uptake: around 750 jobs added to the local economy with pay median salaries of $85,000 by the end of 2024.