Lycoming County will begin taking applications for small business relief made available through federal COVID-19 funding, according to a county official.

County Planning Executive Director Shannon Rossman apprised the commissioners of the funding stream at their meeting Thursday.

A total of $1 million is available to businesses in the form of grants of between $5,000 and $50,000, she said.

The dollars can be used for a variety of purposes by businesses impacted by COVID-19.

“We want to be able to help as many people as possible,” said Williamsport/Lycoming Chamber of Commerce President Jason Fink.

The Chamber is to serve as the main outreach for the funding with SEDA-Council of Governments helping with administration of the money.

Businesses can apply for the funds starting Monday, with a deadline of Sept. 18.

The money must be committed by Nov. 1.

Fink urged small businesses to apply for the funding.

More information will be made available at www.lyco.org/covidrelief.