GORHAM, ME — Governor Janet Mills announced on December 3, 2024 that a second round of applications is now open for Maine small businesses to help them rebuild and recover from last winter’s devastating storms.

The Department of Economic and Community Development opened applications on December 3rd for approximately $2 million in remaining funding for Maine small businesses and nonprofit organizations through its Business Recovery and Resilience Fund to make storm-related repairs and strengthen infrastructure to better withstand future storms.

The Business Recovery and Resilience Fund was created as part of the $60 million storm relief package secured by the Governor and approved by the Legislature earlier this year — the single largest investment in storm recovery by any Administration in Maine history.

The Mills Administration has already awarded approximately $8 million through the first round of Business Recovery and Resilience grants to 109 Maine businesses and nonprofit organizations to help them recover from last winter’s devastating storms. The Administration has also awarded $21.2 million in resilience grants to help rebuild 68 working waterfronts and $25.2 million in grants for 39 communities to help them recover and build more resilient infrastructure.

The Business Recovery and Resilience Fund provides grants for businesses and organizations, including nonprofit organizations, that have been affected by last winter’s severe storms. Business and non-profit applicants may initially request up to $100,000 toward design, permitting and construction costs for their project. Projects receiving grants may include a recovery component for damage sustained and must include efforts to increase business resilience to future storms and other climate conditions. Funds awarded through the program may can pay for up to 50 percent of total project costs, with applicants providing matching funds equal to the total amount requested. Applications must show that the funding will support efforts to make properties resilient to future weather events.

The application and a Frequently Asked Questions document with additional information are available online. Applications are due by no later than 11:59 pm on January 14th, 2025.