Updated: 9:29 AM PST Dec 31, 2020 Marlei Martinez Reporter On Wednesday, California opened the application process for small businesses and nonprofits seeking grants from the state’s Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant Program.In November, Gov. Gavin Newsom and state lawmakers announced the allocation of $500 million towards the pandemic fund, a program run by the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development. Here is where businesses can apply: https://careliefgrant.com/“We know that our small businesses are the heart and soul of our economy and they have been most adversely impacted both by the disease and the economic downturn that’s been created by the pandemic,” said the state’s Economic Development Director Dee Dee Myers. “So we’re really excited to be able to provide some interim relief for businesses and nonprofits.”Here are six things to know about the small business grant program:1. How much money will businesses a