New Hanover County received 800 applications for its $1.3 million Small Business Grant Program, which aims to help local businesses affected by the coronavirus pandemic. 

That application count was as of 5 p.m. Friday, the application deadline, said Jessica Loeper, the county's chief communications officer, in an email Monday afternoon.

Only 130 businesses will be randomly chosen to receive the grants of $10,000 each. County officials created the program with federal funding from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act.

County economic development agency Wilmington Business Development (WBD), which is the third party collecting applications, will this week contact the businesses, selected by a random computerized lottery, via email and one follow-up phone call, according to the county.

"The lottery selection will take place the week of June 8, with selected businesses being notified around June 10," the county's online FAQ section on the program states. "Please make sure to regularly check your email and any spam filters after June 8.

"If you do not receive a call or email from WBD, you have not been selected for the program."

Another third party, Live Oak Bank, is disbursing the funds after the businesses are selected. Both Live Oak and WBD are providing their services free of charge, according to a news release.

County officias have also said, "There is a limited amount of funds available at this time, but there is the possibility of a future small business grant program being established if more federal aid is disbursed and allows for such a program again."