The town of Bethel is now accepting applications from small businesses for a new grant program.  The Small Business Assistance Program is open to Bethel businesses with 25 or fewer employees adversely impacted by the COVID pandemic. Applications for grants of up to $5,000 will be accepted through October 22nd.  The Economic Development Commission created the program using American Rescue Pprogram Act funds and will allow Bethel to support up to 70 small businesses.  Economic Development Director Janice Chrzescijanek says businesses continue to deal with some of the same challenges from last year with the continued uncertainty of the pandemic.  The application can be found on the town’s website at: https://www.bethel-ct.gov/ content/117/8612/33274.aspx.