More federal funds may mean more local business help
The Guam Economic Development Authority may top off its rental relief grant program with another $1.8 million and establish more business grants, pending federal funding.
A COVID-19 relief package that secures $661 million for the government of Guam remains in the U.S. House of Representatives.
If it comes in, the governor has indicated "she'll be looking at additional business grants for us to establish," said David John, GEDA chairman of the board.
Using last year's CARES Act funds, the agency distributed about $20 million in business grants through two programs.
About $17 million in small businesses pandemic grants went to 2,351 businesses on Guam as of January. The program was launched in May 2020 and is closed.