Editor's note: This story was updated April 24 to reflect the addition of $5 million to a state fund to support small businesses during the COVID-19 crisis.

The Tri-City Development Council closed applications for an emergency business grant program after receiving 700 in the days after Gov. Jay Inslee authorized the $5 million program in early April.

But it correctly anticipated more money would become available and invited businesses to keep applying so it could be ready.

The state added another $5 million to the Working Washington Small Business Emergency Grant program in late April.

Karl Dye, president and chief executive officer of TRIDEC, said the local economic development organization wanted businesses to keep applying so it could link them to new programs that roll out to support the economy during the COVID-19 crisis.

The governor’s initial grants provide up to $10,000 to support businesses impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak. The Working Washington Small Business Emergency Grant Program is funded with up to $10 million from the Governor’s Strategic Reserve Fund and administered by the state Department of Commerce.

The state, working with local partners such as TRIDEC, will distribute funds across Washington based on population, making roughly $500,000 available to businesses in the Tri-Cities.

Grants are available to organizations that have been in business for at least one year, employ no more than 10, can demonstrate how they have been harmed by Washington’s stay-home order and are vital to the community.

Priority will be given to businesses suffering the most severe impact of the governor’s Stay Home, Stay Healthy order, which halted all activities considered nonessential through at least May 4.

While the Department of Commerce has pledged to distribute funds proportionally across the state, Dye stressed urgency.

“Five million dollars isn’t a lot,” he said. “It’s imperative that Tri-Cities business owners act quickly to maximize the share we receive.”

Applications are available on the Department of Commerce’s website and eligible businesses may receive one award during the current budget cycle, which ends on June 30, 2021.

“Include all the details and tell your story,” Dye said.  “(TRIDEC IS) ready to advocate for your business, and we have the best shot at securing those funds when you’re able to provide a complete and compelling account of the important service your business provides to our community.”

Visit startup.choosewashingtonstate.com/covid-grants/ for information.