Two new programs were recently announced to help support Maine businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Maine Department of Economic Development (DECD) has broadened program eligibility for its Maine Economic Recovery program to allow businesses with up to 250 employees, as well as those operating for less than a year, to apply for grants. The application deadline is October 23.

The Greater Portland Council Governments announced a Microenterprise Loan program, which provide up to $5,000 for business operation costs for businesses with zero to five employees. Business owners must meet HUD’s income eligibility earning 80 percent of the area median income, based on town of residence. There is also a Job Program targeted to help businesses maintain employees who are most at risk of losing their jobs providing up to $10,000 for businesses with two to 25 employees.

Contact Kevin Jensen, Economic Development Director, at 222-1628 or kjensen@gorham.me.us.