Rule change triggers rise in Alaska companies seeking grants

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Thursday, September 3rd, 2020 6:00am

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Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy.

JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) — Gov. Mike Dunleavy's decision to expand eligibility has prompted a rush of applications for small business aid using federal coronavirus relief funds.

KTOO reported the eligibility rule changes by the Republican governor prompted a wave of new applications for the state-run program.

Businesses had applied for only $169 million of the $290 budgeted for the program through Aug. 18.

A total of $301.3 million had been requested after 812 businesses applied for $55.6 million in expanded funding.

Under the previous rules, businesses were not eligible if they had received federal Paycheck Protection Program funds and Economic Injury Disaster Loans.

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