LINCOLN - Gov. Pete Ricketts announced Friday that small-business owners and livestock producers hurt by the coronavirus pandemic can start applying for grants from the state next week.

The grants are being created with a share of the state’s $1.25 billion in federal coronavirus relief. Nebraska is putting $387 million of the total into helping small businesses and livestock producers, retraining workers, and expanding broadband Internet in rural areas.

Under the biggest program, the state will distribute $330 million as stabilization grants for small businesses and livestock producers. The $12,000 grants are available for businesses with five to 49 employees and livestock producers with one to 10 employees and at least 20 head of livestock. The money can be used for operating expenses and working capital.

Applications will be accepted for two weeks, from Monday through June 26. State officials hope to get the money out by Aug. 1.

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