In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Facebook has announced that it’s creating a $100 million grant program for small businesses. Although, applications aren’t open yet, the social media and technology company says the program will include both ad credits and cash grants that can be spent on such operational costs as paying workers and paying rent. The grant will be available to up to 30,000 small businesses in over 30 countries where Facebook operates.
In a Facebook post made by the company’s COO Sheryl Sandberg, she said, “We want to do more,” said. Teams across our company are working every day to help businesses. We’re looking at additional ways to host virtual trainings – and will have more to share in the coming weeks – and we’re finding more ways to help people connect and learn to use technology through Blueprint, our free e-learning training program.”
Facebook will begin taking applications in the coming weeks. In the meantime, you can keep checking the website to receive more information when it becomes available.
In a related development, Facebook has also announced that it is partnering with the Lenfest Institute for Journalism and the Local Media Association to offer a total of $1 million in grants for U.S. and Canadian newsrooms that need more resources to properly cover the pandemic.