Horry County Continues Small Business Relief Grant Program Applications Welcomed

Horry County is still accepting a second round of applications for assistance from eligible small businesses located in unincorporated Horry County. CDBG-CV funding will be made available on a limited basis to qualifying eligible small businesses for rent, mortgage assistance, accounts payable, payroll. Assistance in a total amount up to $25,000 may be provided on a reimbursable basis over a six month period to each qualifying business. The second application cycle will close on April 23, 2021 and will be evaluated in the order in which they are received.

More than 130 businesses applied for assistance as a part of the first application round. So far, the County, in partnership with the City of Myrtle Beach, has committed approximately $950,000, including 25 businesses in Myrtle Beach and 19 businesses in the unincorporated areas of Horry County that have received funding. Due to the tremendous response by the Myrtle Beach Business Community, there are currently a number of businesses on the waitlist and it is anticipated that the first round allocation (approximately $685,000 award) will be expended in full. The County has funding remaining that is uncommitted at this time.

The CDBG-CV funds are authorized by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), Public Law 116-136 and must be used to prevent, prepare for, or respond to the coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19). Small businesses that receive assistance through the relief program must have 50 or less employees and commit to create or retain one full time equivalent (FTE) position held by a low to moderate income household for a period of at least 90 days.

For more information, contact Horry County Community Development. Applications are available for download on the Horry County Community Development website.