(KLZA)-- Last week Governor Pete Ricketts announced four new economic development grant programs developed to help stimulate the Nebraska economy as we recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The programs are being funded by the federal Coronavirus Aid  Relief and Economic Security Act.  The programs are designed to aid Nebraska small businesses by providing working capital; provide retraining for the unemployed and under employed;  provide new training for business leaders; and increase rural broadband access. 

The Nebraska Small Business Stabilization Grant allocates $330 million in working capital to help cover the operating expenses for Nebraska small businesses and livestock producers.

Small businesses with 5 – 49 employees negatively affected by COVID-19 may be eligible for a grant of up to $12-thousand.  Nebraska livestock producers with 1 – 10 employees who have closed or sustained a loss of revenue or employment since March 13, 2020 are eligible to apply for Small Business Stabilization Grants.

For more information,  go online to https://getnebraskagrowing.nebraska.gov.