The Wyoming Business Council is taking applications for two new funds under the COVID-19 Business Relief Program for Wyoming ranchers, farmers, businesses, as well as select nonprofits.

The Agriculture and the Endurance Funds make an additional $114 million available to help with ongoing COVID-19 related losses and expenses.

Applications for both funds close at 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 18, and can be found at www.wyobizrelief.org.

“Wyoming agricultural producers, businesses and nonprofits continue to endure uncertainty and hardships while working hard to stay afloat, keep Wyomingites employed, and provide critical services,” said Wyoming Business Council CEO Josh Dorrell.

The Agriculture Fund has $90 million reserved to support Wyoming farmers and ranchers who have experienced business interruptions from the COVID-19 pandemic. Awards up to $250,000 are available for agricultural producers who were established on or before March 13.

Supply chain disruptions, decreased demand for products or services, required closures, regulatory requirements that make operating unprofitable, and other interruptions have hurt many producers during the pandemic. This fund is designed to help offset revenue losses as well as COVID-related expenses in three categories: livestock feed and supplements, custom hire and labor, and fertilizer, chemical and seed costs.

The Business Council began issuing the first payments to Wyoming-based farmers and ranchers who applied for the Agriculture Fund this week, including a handful from Park County. All Business Relief Program payments are posted on www.wyopen.gov/wbc, a website created by Wyoming State Auditor Kristi Racines to provide the public with easy access to state of Wyoming expenditures.

The Endurance Fund has at least $24 million set aside for businesses and select nonprofits to cover COVID-19 related losses and expenses. Awards up to $250,000 are available for affected Wyoming businesses with at least one full-time employee. Money available in this fund may increase as unused CARES Act dollars from other programs may be diverted into it, but demand has been crushing.

As of Friday, more than 1,600 entities had submitted applications seeking more than $161 million. To ensure financial help reaches entities with the fewest resources and the greatest need, the Business Council has prioritized Endurance Fund applicants who have not received previous COVID-19 Business Relief Program funding.

“We will continue to accept applications for the Endurance Fund and place applicants on a waiting list,” Dorrell said. “We want to encourage businesses in need to apply so that we can understand the true need and be prepared if other monies become available. With the deadline for CARES Act funding approaching, we want to continue to meet the needs of as many businesses and nonprofits as possible.”

For more information about the Business Relief Program, contact Strategic Partnerships Director Ron Gullberg at 307-286-9519 or ron.gullberg@wyo.gov.