The city of Aurora is launching a new business grant program Thursday, distributing at least $5 million to businesses and nonprofits struggling financially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Aurora Economic Resiliency Grant Program will provide grants of up to $30,000 to small and midsized businesses and nonprofits to assist with payroll and rent expenses.

For payroll assistance, businesses must demonstrate a loss of yearly revenue during COVID-19. For rent assistance, businesses must show they’re behind in rent payments.

Eligible businesses must have fewer than 200 employees and an Aurora business license in good standing.

Nonprofits must have an Aurora business license or be registered with the Colorado secretary of state as a nonprofit with an Aurora location or serving more than 50% of Aurora clients.

The program is open to new applicants and those who previously qualified for funds through the Aurora Economic Relief or Aurora Economic Recovery programs.

This is the third round of CARES funding deployed by the city to support local businesses since the COVID-19 pandemic began.

The grant program is in cooperation with the Aurora City Council, the Arapahoe County CARES Program and the Adams County CARES Program.

Applications open Thursday and close at 11:59 p.m. on Nov. 12. Applications are available at AuroraGov.org/AER. Questions should be emailed to AER3@auroragov.org.