The Montgomery County Economic Development Corp. is accepting applications for a grant program to help small restaurants and retailers survive the winter months, which are likely to prove to be an even more challenging period of the pandemic.

The grant program, which is accepting applications through Nov. 5, is part of the $1 million 3R initiative that was launched with public and private funds from the county and Pepco earlier this summer, according to a press release.

Locally owned restaurants and retailers that have 100 or fewer full-time employees are eligible to apply for the $5,000 grants. The program puts a priority on 10 areas: Burtonsville/ Briggs Chaney, Wheaton/Glenmont, White Oak, Aspen Hill, Germantown, Damascus, Takoma-Langley, Four Corners, Montgomery Hills, and Twinbrook/White Flint.

The grants will support technical assistance and new expenses that have arisen because of the pandemic such as e-commerce capabilities, delivery services, and auto insurance costs related…