Facebook to award $225k to small businesses in metro Atlanta; applications open today

ATLANTA — Facebook announced Monday that applications are now open for small businesses in metro Atlanta to be awarded thousands of dollars in grant money.

Facebook is offering $100 million worldwide to help businesses impacted by coronavirus.

[SPECIAL SECTION --> Latest on coronavirus in Georgia and around the world]

Overall, Georgians will be awarded more than $225,000 to help more than 56 small businesses affected by COVID-19. The grants will go to businesses in areas where Facebook operates.

In Georgia, $125,000 has been allocated for 31 small businesses in metro Atlanta, and $100,000 will be awarded to 25 small businesses in Newton, Walton, Jasper, and Morgan counties.

Watch Channel 2 Action News for LIVE hour-by-hour updates. Get extended coverage on the free WSB Now app on your Roku, Amazon Fire and Apple TV.

50% of those grants will be given to eligible minority, women and veteran-owned businesses "due to the disproportionate negative impact that COVID-19 will have on these businesses, their employees, and the communities that they serve," according to Facebook's Global Chief Diversity Officer Maxine Williams.

Businesses that have been running for over a year and have 2 - 50 employees can qualify.

"This is a critical injection to help local small businesses who need it most, so they can keep the lights on and help pay their employees," a spokesperson said.

Learn more about how to apply to a grant HERE.

This browser does not support the video element.