Westerly — The Town of Westerly and the Ocean Community Chamber of Commerce are accepting grant applications from small businesses and nonprofits for $100,000 in COVID response grants from the federal American Rescue Plan Act.

The deadline to apply is May 2. If the program is not oversubscribed during this first round, a second round will be announced.

There are two type of grants available.

Business improvement grants, capped at $10,000, include investment in equipment that is essential to keep the business in operation, website development to include an e-commerce component to make the business more sustainable, interior and facade improvements, signage, equipment and supplies to help extend the outdoor season, patios, renovations to improve  accessibility or meet flood requirements and stormwater system improvements.

The second type is COVID-related reimbursements for expenses linked to closures or personal protective equipment. These are capped at $2,500 and are for expenses between March 3, 2021 to March 1, 2022.

Applications will be considered for privately held businesses and nonprofit organizations located, registered and licensed (if applicable) to operate in the Town of Westerly. Private membership clubs are not eligible. Organizations that have previously been awarded, or will be granted, ARPA funds from either the towns of Westerly or Stonington are not eligible to receive the grant.

Grant details may be found https://www.oceanchamber.org/business-links. For more information, contact chamber President Lisa Konicki at (401) 596-7761.