How the most recent coronavirus stimulus package can help small businesses As owners work to stay open, $59 billion worth in financial assistance has been set aside Posted: Mar 17, 2021 1:50 AM Updated: Mar 17, 2021 1:52 AM Posted By: Alex Jirgens MASON CITY, Iowa - All across the country, small business owners have been trying to keep their heads above water for the past year, applying for much needed financial assistance to keep their doors open. Thanks to the latest $1.9 trillion stimulus package that passed earlier this month, more assistance is on the way. $59 billion dollars are being set aside for small business relief and is being divided up into three packages: $15 billion allocated to the Small Business Association's Emergency Injury Disaster Loan Program; a $25 billion grant program specifically for bars and restaurants; and about $7 billion earmarked for the Paycheck Protection Program.