The City of Irvine received more than $722,000 from the County of Orange to help small businesses affected by COVID-19, city officials announced Jan. 19. However, at least one councilmember said that even though the money will be helpful, it’s not enough. “The grant money is critical to our small businesses, especially our retail and restaurants, which have been deeply affected by the impacts of COVID,” Vice Mayor Tammy Kim told The Epoch Times Jan. 20 via email. “While this is a great start, it is really a drop in the bucket when you consider the sheer number of businesses that are hurting.” Up to $5,000 is available to eligible small businesses receiving the one-time grants. City officials said the money is for helping cover the costs of business interruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and related stay-at-home orders. “We are thrilled to offer additional funding to Irvine’s small businesses located within the 3rd District,” Mayor Farrah N. Khan said in a …