The small business community has a chance to breathe. A new relief grant program is here.

The County of Riverside opened the application portal to a new COVID-19 relief grant program for microbusinesses Monday.

The grants, worth $2,500, are rewarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Applicants have until June 30, 2022 at 5 p.m., or until funds are exhausted, to submit a form, the Riverside County Office of Economic Development said.

To qualify, microbusinesses and entrepreneurs must first meet a set of eligibility requirements. According to the list, businesses must be located in Riverside County, have fewer than five employees, and have been significantly impacted by the coronavirus pandemic,

Applications of the grant program will be considered upon full completion of the two-step submission process. In step one, applicants must submit a questionnaire and the grant form. Should the application be approved, applicants will then be directed to upload additional required documents in step two.

Notice of approval status will be announced to applicants within 14 business days of form submission.

Grants for the relief program are funded through the California Office of the Small Business Advocate (CalOSBA) and are expected to arrive no later than early April 2022. Once processed, the funds will be ready for disbursement.

Business owners may use the grant toward vendor invoices, the purchase of personal protective equipment, and rent or mortgage payments, according to the full list of eligible uses.