The deadline to apply is Jan. 15. City Manager Nate Pagan said the application process includes forms that restaurants already have to provide to the federal government.

“The process is as simple and painless (for applicants) as possible,” Pagan said.

Bars and restaurants that receive funds will distribute 90% to workers, while restaurant owners will keep 10%, Pagan said. The 10% is to cover any expenses a business incurs gathering the information needed to apply.

The program is open to restaurants and bars of any size, but only restaurants and bars inside city limits qualify. To be eligible, the business must have a city business license in good standing and no delinquent taxes.

The program was modeled after the federal Paycheck Protection Program.

“The (City Commission) was concerned about the continued impact on restaurants” and bars from the COVID-19 pandemic, Pagan said.