PORT ORCHARD — Mayor Rob Putaansuu announced on Sept. 11 that more small business funding has become available for establishments hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic and a new window for rental relief applications is opening Wednesday.

City officials so far have delivered nearly $100,000 in rental relief checks, made available through federal CARES funding, to more than 20 local businesses.

According to city officials, the funding is designed to reimburse business-related commercial rent or lease expenses for up to six months between April and September 2020. Businesses with Port Orchard licenses may apply for grants up to $5,000 based on the impact that COVID-19 has had on each entity.

“Our economy has slowly opened back up with restrictions that still deeply affect small business owners,” Putaansuu said in a news release.

“We need for our community to continue to frequent area businesses to ensure they not only survive but thrive in the future. The additional CARES funds will help more businesses make ends meet until all of us are able to get back to business as usual.”

Applications for rental relief will be available Sept. 16-25, coordinated in concert with the Kitsap Economic Development Alliance. Business owners may visit the Kitsap Economic Development Alliance “KEDA CARES” website to apply.