Crews start boarding up the 3 Smokin Sisters Tobacco Shop on 71st Street in Chicago’s South Shore neighborhood. Shop owners emptied the store of inventory following looting on Sunday, May 31, 2020. (@paschutz / Twitter)

Small businesses struggling to stay afloat during the coronavirus pandemic and recover from unrest touched off by police brutality protests that missed out on the first round of grants can try again, city officials announced.

Businesses that saw their revenue drop by at least 25% during the pandemic can apply for grants of up to $4,000 to cover operating costs, city officials said.

In all, the city plans to use the $6.2 million Together Now fund, fueled by federal relief funds, city money and contributions from Chicago charities, to help small businesses.

Approximately 1,500 businesses won grants through a lottery during the first round, officials said.

The second round will give priority to businesses in community areas that received a disproportionately low number of eligible applicants during the first round, particularly those in South and West Side communities, officials said.

Applications will be accepted through Aug. 31. To be eligible, businesses must have 100 or fewer employees and have experienced economic distress and loss due to COVID-19, officials said.

Businesses that did not receive a grant during the first round are encouraged to reapply during this second round of funding. Interested businesses can learn more on the Together Now fund website and register for a webinar.

Contact Heather Cherone: @HeatherCherone | (773) 569-1863 | [email protected]