La Conner businesses impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak have until 5 p.m. Oct. 7 to apply for grants up to $5,000 through EDASC, the Economic Development Alliance of Skagit County. The total fund of $20,000 is from the Town of La Conner’s CARES Act allocation.

Eligible businesses must be within La Conner town limits and employ 20 or fewer employees. Priority will be given to businesses which support La Conner’s tourism industry.

Eligible grant expenses include operational expenses including rent, supplies/inventory, utility bills, consulting, marketing and training. Non-fixed assets to accommodate outdoor dining and events will be considered on a case by case basis.

EDASC is managing the program and will prioritize applications based on severity of the impact the business is facing, including . being forced to close by government-mandated closures, social distancing measures or illness. Awards will be approved on a case-by-case basis and are dependent on the availability of funds.

An agreement was signed with EDASC last week after Council discussed their managing the funds at its Sept. 9 meeting.

Download the application at https://www.skagit.org/. Click on “COVID-19 UPDATES” and then “EDASC Grants.” Submit questions and completed applications to [email protected].