Gov. Noem announces launch of small business, healthcare provider relief program

PIERRE, S.D. — On Friday, Gov. Kristi Noem announced the launching of a Small Business and Healthcare Provider Relief Program.

These programs will take advantage of up to $580 million in Coronavirus Relief Fund (CRF) dollars. This will help small businesses, community-based healthcare providers, and non-profits that were negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Together, South Dakota is rebounding from COVID-19, but some businesses and organizations took a hit from this pandemic,” said Governor Noem. “These folks are the lifeblood of our communities and economy, and it’s our turn to give back to them. I’m grateful to the legislature for stepping up and providing guidance for this program.”

The five components of the program are listed below:

• The Small Business COVID Interruption program will provide up to $400 million to help eligible South Dakota small businesses who experienced a reduction in business as a result of the pandemic. Specifics can be found here.
• The Small Business Startup program will provide up to $10 million in direct grants to recently started eligible South Dakota businesses whose growth has been impacted as a result of the pandemic. Specifics can be found here.
• The Acute Care in Hospitals program will provide up to $15 million to eligible hospitals that are licensed by the state to provide acute inpatient care. Specifics can be found here.
• The Small Nonprofit COVID Interruption program will provide up to $40 million to eligible South Dakota small nonprofits who have experienced negative impact as a result of the pandemic. Specifics can be found here.
• The Community Based Healthcare Providers program will provide up to $115 million for eligible community providers who have experienced a reduction in business as a result of the pandemic. Specifics can be found here.

Businesses and organizations that are eligible for the program can apply for the grants from October 13-23, 2020. For those in need of assistance, they can contact the state’s call center from 8:00 a.m. to 5 p.m. from Monday through Friday at 605-937-7243.

Those interested can also email covid.bizgrants@state.sd.us or covid.healthcaregrants@state.sd.us.

To learn more about the program and grants for small businesses and healthcare providers, visit the South Dakota COVID-19 website here.