Sound Publishing is launching a new program to help local companies spread the news that they’re open for business.

Sound, which owns the Journal of the San Juans, Islands’ Sounder and the Islands’ Weekly as well as other print and online publications, will offer matching advertising grants to businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Up to $200,000 in grants will be distributed in June, July and August through the media company’s “Local Business Marketing Grant Program,” said Josh O’Connor, president of Sound Publishing.

“Local businesses are an important part of our community,” he said. “Whether it is the jobs they create, or the services they bring, they are the heartbeat of our neighborhoods.”

Monthly grants will range from $500 to $20,000 and consist of matching advertising credits. The credits can be used for Sound print and digital publications.

“Most of the advertising products we offer are eligible for the matching grants,” O’Connor said.

For example, a company that’s interested in spending $1,000 for advertising would be eligible for a $1,000 credit, he said.

“Our local marketing grant program is another way Sound Media looks to strengthen our communities, one business at a time,” O’ Connor said.

The program’s online application shouldn’t “take more than five minutes to complete,” O’Connor said.

Here’s how the marketing grant program works:

Businesses that serve San Juan County fill out a grant application and request a grant amount.

Sounder, Journal and Weekly publisher Colleen Smith will review the application and respond with a decision in two business days. There are no restrictions on the type or size of businesses that can apply.

Applications are available at soundpublishing.com/grantapplication/.

Businesses will have until the end of June to apply for the matching advertising grants.