Some small businesses in Hoboken will get a financial boost from the federal CARES Act.

Nearly $2 million will be made available to the businesses to help them reopen and stay open during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Things are very different at BWE Kafé these days. Normally there would be crowds of people drinking their coffee and chatting with friends. But right now, only staff members are allowed inside.

“Some days it’s hard to walk into the stores, because you have an attachment to the way it was supposed to be,” says Hoboken resident Dale Mori-Ryan.

Business owners say that their revenue has been down since the pandemic started. But now federal funds may provide some relief.

“Small businesses can apply for grants of up to $20,000 to help pay employees, rent, mortgage, utilities and other expenses,” says Sen. Bob Menendez.

Hoboken will receive about $8 million through the CARES Act, with nearly $2 million going to small businesses. The rest of the money will cover the costs of disinfecting community buildings and housing, as well as increased contact tracing and testing.

Eligible Hoboken businesses must be for-profit with no more than 25 employees. An application to apply can be found on the Hoboken webpage.