The NM Finance Authority has announced guidelines pertaining to the Small Business CARES Act grant program that was authorized by the New Mexico Legislature during the second special session of 2020. The guidelines make clear that time is of the essence. Applications will only be accepted until 12:00 noon MST Friday, Dec. 18. The Finance Authority anticipates opening the application process the week of Dec. 7, giving it just 11 days to allocate the entire $100 million fund.