The town of Vail has announced a new business relief program, the Grant Award Program, which will provide direct aid to Vail businesses experiencing hardship due to the public health crisis. Developed by representatives of the Vail Economic Advisory Council with assistance from town staff, the $500,000 grant program was authorized Feb. 2 by the Vail Town Council. Grants will range from $5,000 to $15,000. The program was designed to be complementary to the recent Eagle County Bridge Funding program. A scoring matrix will tally points-based answers to questions on the financial health of the business along with operational impacts of the pandemic to support determination of the funds awarded. The online application will require both quantitative and qualitative business information as well as a narrative explanation about the financial impacts of the health crisis on the business.