The North Carolina Department of Revenue is launching the Phase 2 application of the Business Recovery Grant program on May 2. 

The Business Recovery Grant will issue payments to eligible businesses that have suffered economic loss of at least 20 percent during the pandemic.There have been changes made to the program’s eligibility criteria, allowing many businesses excluded in Phase 1 to apply. 

In addition to businesses affected by the pandemic in the hospitality industry, the Business Recovery Grant is open now to:

• Farmers and agribusinesses
• Gyms and trainers
• Salons and barbers
• Massage therapists
• Dentists
• Lawyers
• Doctors
• Interior designers
• Hardware stores
• Pharmacies
• Landscapers
• Mechanics
• Tailors and dry cleaners

“Barbers, cosmetologists, gyms and other service providers were hit hard by the pandemic and it’s important to expand these grants to help them too,” said Governor Roy Cooper. “Our small businesses are the backbone of our economy and strong support for them is critical.

Two types of grants will be available to eligible businesses for Phase 2. This includes:

• A hospitality grant available to an eligible arts, entertainment, or recreation business, as well as an eligible accommodation or food service business such as a hotel, restaurant, or bar (NAICS code 71 and 72).
• A reimbursement grant available to an eligible business not classified in NAICS Code 71 and 72. A business’ previous receipt of a grant award from certain federal programs will not make it ineligible for a reimbursement grant.

“Our hope is that the expanded Business Recovery Grant program requirements will encourage more eligible North Carolina businesses to apply,” said NCDOR Secretary Ronald Penny. “These funds are available for eligible businesses that suffered a financial loss because of the pandemic and we want to make sure those businesses receive them.”

The application deadline is June 1.