Empire State Development is trying to help small businesses damaged by Lake Ontario flooding earlier this year.

The Lake Ontario Small Business Recovery Fund grants up to $50,000 to commercial business owners whose operations were affected by flooding between January 1 and August 30. So far, only four businesses have submitted applications. 

“We’re hearing from businesses that they received damages to the structures on their property, to the property itself, landscaping, sometimes to the marinas; their dock system, infrastructure damages to the property,” said Michael Ball of the Western New York Regional Office of Empire State Development.

Business owners have until December 31 to mail in their applications.