PORT ORCHARD — In partnership with the Kitsap Economic Development Alliance, the City of Port Orchard will be offering rental relief assistance to local small business owners impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to the city, the funding is designed to reimburse business-related commercial rent or lease expenses for up to six months between April and September 2020.

Port Orchard will allocate $100,000 of the $430,000 in CARES Act funding it received to benefit small businesses within the community, according to Mayor Rob Putaansuu.

“Our local business owners have taken a significant hit since the pandemic began in March,” Putaansuu said. “Many have had to take extreme measures in order to keep their doors open. The Port Orchard CARES [Act] funding is designed to relieve some of the pressure as they continue to operate in uncertain times.

“As a community, we need to continue to support all of our small businesses to ensure we have a bright future as we search for a path to eradicate the virus.”

Businesses licensed with the city may apply for grants up to $5,000. Qualification and process details will be available at Kitsapeda.org.

The Kitsap Economic Development Alliance will be offering an informational webinar at 11 a.m. on Friday, July 24 to review eligibility and application requirements. Applicants are strongly encouraged to participate to ensure a successful and timely application.

Putaansuu said applications will be accepted via an online application that will go live at noon on Aug. 3.