SIDNEY, NE - Cheyenne County officials are encouraging small business owners to apply for the newest round of COVID-19 relief grants even if they're not sure they are eligible. 

Governor Pete Ricketts announced the second round of relief funds during a press conference Monday. Several types of businesses are targeted, including small businesses, livestock producers, hotels, restaurants, bars and movie theaters. 

Cheyenne County Economic Development Director Melissa Norgard says the funds are very much needed as most businesses continue to recover from the shutdown earlier this year and now face a second surge in cases. 

"Even after things were able to start reopening, those businesses haven't seen business come back," she said. "They haven't seen patrons come back to go to the movies or to get their nails done."

There are some eligibility requirements. Some types of businesses who received relief in round one, may not be eligible in round two. Movie theaters must be operating or about to reopen to be eligible. 

Even if a business is unsure if they qualify, Norgard encourages them to apply. 

"There have been so many businesses here adversely affected," Norgard said. "With the recent spike in cases we've seen over the course of the last two weeks, not just in Cheyenne County, but across the Panhandle, I think it's important that businesses look to toward the next two months, three months... and get an idea of what's going to happen and plan for the future." 

In total, nine different categories of grants are available. Most are first come first served. The funding comes from CARES Act money the state has not yet spent.

Applications open at 9:00 a.m. MDT on Wednesday, Oct. 21, and remain open until Friday, Nov. 13.

For more information on the specific categories of grants, to check eligibility and to apply go to coronavirus.nebraska.gov.