Salisbury-Wicomico Economic Development is accepting applications for its new Hotel & Lodging Relief Grant Fund.

With $567,000 in funding from the state of Maryland, grants are targeted to for profit accommodations providers in Wicomico County that:

• Are subject to the county’s room tax.

• Can demonstrate a reduction in gross revenue of at least 25 percent from April 2020 through November 2020, compared to the same period in 2019.

Grant funds may be used for normal operating expenses including payroll, utilities, rent and various Covid-related expenses.

In announcing the news Wednesday, Wicomico County Executive John Psota said the local hotel-motel industry has been especially hard-hit by the Coronavirus pandemic.

“We appreciate the state of Maryland’s partnership and support in recognizing the challenges facing our hotel and lodging industry,” Psota said.

“A special thank you to SWED for its leadership in helping businesses throughout Wicomico County mitigate the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.”

The application period will open until 4 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 3. Grant awards are expected to commence Monday, Feb. 8.

More information and an online application can be found at swed.org.

Beginning in early summer 2020 and with funding from the Coronavirus Relief Fund and the state, SWED has already dispensed in excess of $12.2 million to small businesses throughout Wicomico County to help mitigate the economic impact Covid-19 on the business community.