There is a new lifeline for struggling local businesses as the state distributes more than $80 million in new federal aid.

The Department of Economic and Community Development is rolling out the much-needed aid, with 10,000 businesses receiving $5,000 grants as part of the Connecticut Small Business Cares Grant.

Another $35 million was distributed through the Business Recovery Grant.

Some local business owners say it's the first federal aid they've gotten since last spring. They also say the COVID-19 vaccine is helping them see the light at the end of the tunnel.

Businesses that couldn't receive either grant are still eligible for a new round of PPP funding.