ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Attention small business owners, if you missed out on the last small business grant initiative, you have another chance at alleviating some financial stress.

"These grants are vital in supporting our local businesses who are still suffering as a result of the shutdowns and restrictions that were created and caused by the COVID-19 pandemic,” Monroe County Executive Adam Bello said Wednesday.

Bello announced the launch of the Fast Forward Monroe 2.0 initiative.

The last grant in October 2020 helped well over 1,500 local small businesses survive the pandemic.

This new initiative is funded with an additional $20 million from the CARES Act, and it has to be distributed by the end of the year.

Eligible businesses can get a grant of either $10,000, $15,000 or $20,000, depending on the number of full-time employees.

Any business that did not get funding during the first round will be given priority this time around.

The grants can be used to help cover expenses like rent, payroll, or any other business expense.

The owner of Marvelous Minds Academy, Rosa Marie, says this grant is "a breath of fresh air"

"As a small business owner, we do have a lot of liabilities, and it's even a breath of fresh air for us to not have to think about how am I going to pay this back,” she said.

To apply, click here.