Bridgeport officials are urging small business owners to apply for grants under a million dollar coronavirus relief package awarded to the city.

Val Fernandez, of Funchal Americana, says he is applying for one of the grants that range from $5,000 to $25,000.

Officials say the money can be used for working capital, operating expenses, inventory and payment to essential vendors.

Fernandez says The Small and Minority Business COVID Relief Grant could mean the difference between staying open or closing.

“I think it’s a great idea because everybody is struggling,” Fernandez says. “All the small businesses are struggling and we don’t have no business at all and we need all the help that we can get right now.”

Officials say the funds can also be used for newly acquired technology hardware related to changing to the pandemic.