OKC Takes Applications For 2nd Wave Of Small Business Relief

Oklahoma City is helping small businesses with a second wave of relief dollars.

OKC had $5.5 million in relief for small businesses during its first wave. Half of the 600 business that applied back in April were rejected.

Thanks to CARES Act funding, $12 million more is available in grants worth up to $100,000.

“We want everyone who was rejected to apply again if you are within OKC city limits,” said Cathy O’Connor the President and CEO of the Alliance for Economic Development.

Businesses awarded money during the first wave can apply for additional aid in the second wave of relief.

The plan now is to be less restrictive with the money.

Applications opened again Tuesday. Businesses with less than 100 employees may be eligible.

COVID-19 related expenses are covered like cleaning supplies but retrofitting your business will also be covered.

“If a restaurant wants to develop an outdoor dining area, we can off-set the cost of the that,” said O’Connor.

Yoga studio owner Shannon Stephens had to close the Our Land Studio on Northwest 30th Street for two months and had been rejected for many federal aid packages.

“The money goes straight to my instructors,” said Stephens, who added that every bit helps with her small business.