Butte County and the City of Chico set aside more funding for small local businesses impacted by the pandemic. The county and Chico are providing a combined total of $2.5 million via the Butte Business Stabilization Small Business Grant Program II. Businesses can apply to receive up to $10,000. The money can be used towards expenses like rent, utilities, and fixed costs related to creating new jobs and retaining existing ones. Businesses with 20 employees or fewer are eligible to apply. In Chico, because the city added $1-million to the program, businesses with 100 employees or fewer are eligible to apply. Applicants will be selected by a lottery system. The county will begin accepting grants starting May 2, and the application period will end on May 20 at 5 p.m