Nearly two dozen businesses in the hospitality industry that have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic will receive $625,000.

On Thursday, Commissioner Chris Lukasevich provided an update from the Carbon Chamber and Economic Development on the county’s Hospitality Industry Recovery Program. Carbon County received $729,949 to distribute to businesses in this industry through a grant-based program.

Lukasevich said there have been 29 applications for assistance through CHIRP and 19 of those applications have already been approved. Of that, three have received funds.

He commended Kathy Henderson and the team at the chamber for their continued efforts in leading this program on behalf of the county.

Specific guidelines for the program are on the Carbon Chamber home page.

Eligible businesses must show a reduction in gross receipts between 2019 and the same period in 2020, which has to be a minimum of 25% in reduction. Additionally, the business has to be for-profit, as nonprofits do not qualify. The business must be in the hospitality industry.

The minimum a business can receive is $5,000 but can range up to $50,000. The relief money is given out in increments of $5,000.

The deadline for Carbon businesses to apply is May 31, or until the money runs out - whichever comes first.

The free application is available at carboncountychamber.org.