RELAUNCH VOLUSIA SMALL BUSINESS REOPENING GRANT PROGRAM - CLICK HERE
RELAUNCH VOLUSIA HOME-BASED BUSINESS GRANT PROGRAM - CLICK HERE
NOT-FOR-PROFIT BUSINESS GRANT PROGRAM - CLICK HERE
PPE DISTRIBUTION PROGRAM - CLICK HERE
These federal, state, county, local, chambers of commerce and general resources are available to support businesses during the COVID-19 crisis. Learn more about how these programs can assist your business as well as how to access the resources.
Included below are a portion of the economic relief package of programs and funding resources as part of the Federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act for small businesses, non-profits and individuals. This section will be updated as new information becomes available.
The Main Street Lending Program is administered by the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston, which has established a special purpose vehicle to purchase loan participations from eligible lenders across the U.S.
the COVID-19 pandemic, coupled with low response rates, has forced the deadline to respond to Oct. 31.
More than 66% of Volusia County residents have responded on their own, and a small army of census takers has brought the total response rate up to about 95%.
The census count will inform key decisions in Volusia County for the next 10 years – how much money is available for community assistance programs; whether a business decides to expand; and how much federal funding is received for transportation, education and health care.
If you haven’t already responded, you can complete your form online at 2020census.gov or by phone at 844-330-2020.
The SBA, in consultation with the Department of the Treasury, released the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Loan Forgiveness Application and detailed instructions for the application.
The form and instructions inform borrowers how to apply for forgiveness of their PPP loans, consistent with the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act). The SBA will soon also issue regulations and guidance to further assist borrowers as they complete their applications, and to provide lenders with guidance on their responsibilities.
This guidance is intended for all Americans, whether you own a business, run a school, or want to ensure the cleanliness and safety of your home. Reopening America requires all of us to move forward together by practicing social distancing and other daily habits to reduce our risk of exposure to the virus that causes COVID-19.
Document Quick Access:
In response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, small business owners and non-profit organizations in all U.S. states, Washington D.C., and territories are able to apply for an Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL). EIDL is designed to provide economic relief to businesses that are currently experiencing a temporary loss of revenue. EIDL proceeds can be used to cover a wide array of working capital and normal operating expenses, such as continuation to health care benefits, rent, utilities, and fixed debt payments.
SBA resumed accepting new Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) applications on June 15 to all qualified small businesses, including U.S. agricultural businesses.
The new eligibility for U.S. agricultural businesses is made possible by new authority granted by Congress in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
If you have already applied via the streamlined application portal, please do not resubmit your application.
SBA will begin accepting new Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) and EIDL Advance applications on a limited basis only to provide relief to U.S. agricultural businesses.
The new eligibility is made possible as a result of the latest round of funds appropriated by Congress in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
As part of National Small Business Week, the U.S. Small Business Administration and cosponsors will host all virtual events September 22-24. This year’s National Small Business Week activities will include numerous educational panels providing retooling and innovative practices for entrepreneurs as our nation’s small businesses look to pivot and recover, contributing to a stronger economy.
The event will recognize the national award winners, including the naming of the National Small Business Person of the Year. The event schedule includes three days recognizing America’s outstanding entrepreneurs, shining a spotlight on the nation’s 30 million small businesses across the country.
USDA Rural Development has taken a number of immediate actions to help rural residents, businesses and communities affected by the COVID-19 outbreak. Rural Development will keep our customers, partners, and stakeholders continuously updated as more actions are taken to better serve rural America.
The SBA has a COVID-19 devoted page that includes guidance for businesses and employers, government contracting, other products and access to capital loan resources.
The SBA Debt Relief program will provide a reprieve to small businesses as they overcome the challenges created by this health crisis. Under this program the SBA will pay the principal and interest of new 7(a) loans issued prior to September 27, 2020. The SBA will also pay the principal and interest of current 7(a) loans for a period of six months.
The IRS has established a special section focused on steps to help taxpayers, businesses and others affected by the coronavirus. This page will be updated as new information is available.
The U.S. Treasury Department and the Internal Revenue Service launched the Employee Retention Credit, which is designed to encourage businesses to keep employees on their payroll. The refundable tax credit is 50% of up to $10,000 in qualifying wages paid by an eligible employer whose business has been financially impacted by COVID-19. The credit is available to all employers, including tax-exempt organizations, regardless of size.
The Office of Inspector General recognizes that we are facing unprecedented times and is alerting the public about potential fraud schemes related to economic stimulus programs offered by the U.S. Small Business Administration in response to the Novel Coronavirus Pandemic (COVID-19). The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), the largest financial assistance bill to date, includes provisions to help small businesses. Fraudsters have already begun targeting small business owners during these economically difficult times. Be on the lookout for grant fraud, loan fraud, and phishing.
This site provides users demographic risk factor variables along with economic data on 20 key industries impacted by Coronavirus. Each data set can be displayed in different visualizations, maps, can be shared, and available for download. Periodically updated.
The White House has published a document with a proposed phased approach based on up-to-date data and readiness, mitigates a risk of resurgence, protects the most vulnerable and is implementable on Statewide or County-by-County basis at Governors' discretion.
Below are available state resources for emergency loans, business damage surveys, unemployment, employer short-term compensation programs, updates from the Governor's office for affected small businesses, and information related to essential businesses and services. Contact the organization managing each resource for specific details. This section will be updated as new information becomes available.
This website consists of links to various State of Florida sites for immediate information related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
On Sept 8, Governor DeSantis announced the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) has completed the necessary technology changes to begin paying the Federal Lost Wages Assistance (LWA) program benefits to eligible Floridians. This program, authorized by President Trump’s memorandum, provides additional benefits for individuals who are eligible for Reemployment Assistance for weeks of unemployment ending on or after August 1, 2020.
To be eligible for this benefit, claimants must have a weekly benefit amount of at least $100 in an approved Reemployment Assistance program and certify that they are unemployed or partially unemployed due to COVID-19 disruptions. Payments will be provided for weeks ending August 1, August 8 and August 15, 2020. No additional application is necessary.
On Sept. 25, Governor DeSantis issued Executive Order 20-244, which announces the transition to Phase 3 of the Safe. Smart. Step-by-Step. Plan for Florida's Recovery.
Section 1. Phase 3
Section 2. Right to Work and Operate a Business
Section 3. Restaurants
A. Restaurants, including any establishment with a food service license, may not be limited by a COVID-19 emergency order by any local government to less than fifty percent (50%) of their indoor capacity. If a restaurant is limited to less than one hundred percent (100%) of its indoor capacity, such COVID-19 emergency order must on its face satisfy the following:
i. quantify the economic impact of each limitation or requirement on those restaurants; and
ii. explain why each limitation or requirement is necessary for public health.
B. Nothing in this order preempts or supersedes a non-COVID-19 municipal or county order.
Section 4. Suspension of COVID-19-related Individual Fines and Penalties
Section. 5 Effective Date
On June 3, Governor DeSantis issued Executive Order 20-139, which announces the transition to Phase 2 of the Safe. Smart. Step-by-Step. Plan for Florida's Recovery.
The order allows for:
The State of Florida will allow bars to reopen at 50 percent capacity starting Monday, September 14. Since June 26, bars and breweries that do not have substantial food menus had been banned from selling alcohol on-site. The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) will rescind Executive Order 2020-09, which required certain standalone bars and breweries to essentially shut down earlier this summer in response to the coronavirus pandemic.
Governor Ron DeSantis's Executive Order 2020-112 outlines Phase 1: Safe. Smart. Step-by-Step. Plan for Florida's Recovery.
To view the FAQs document related to the Phase 1 reopening, click here:
https://www.flgov.com/2020-executive-orders
and search for: #2020-112 Executive Order re: Phase 1: Safe. Smart. Step-by-Step. Plan for Florida’s Recovery
Floridians may submit feedback on any topic related to the re-opening of Florida's economy, including the impacts to small business, healthcare, education, tourism, agriculture, retail, recreation and sports, and construction.
View the latest orders and information from office of the Governor of Florida.
Review these FAQs regarding the essential services executive order.
The Federal Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program provides unemployment benefits to those that may not otherwise be eligible under Florida’s state Reemployment Assistance program, including independent contractors and individuals who are self-employed. Individuals who have been impacted by COVID-19 and believe they may be eligible for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance, can visit www.FloridaJobs.org and select "File a Claim" to apply and be considered for PUA.
Applicants should utilize the following criteria when applying for PUA:
Individuals who applied for the state’s Reemployment Assistance benefits on or after April 5, 2020, and were deemed ineligible for state Reemployment Assistance benefits will receive additional application information from the Department. They can also visit www.FloridaJobs.org/cares-act for more information regarding these programs.
Pursuant to the requirements of the CARES Act, 20 C.F.R. 625.4, and section 443.036, F.S., those who are self-employed, contract employees, gig workers, or others who applied for the state’s Reemployment Assistance benefits on or before April 4, 2020, should apply at www.FloridaJobs.org and select “File a Claim” to request PUA.
Unemployed Floridians who have not yet applied for any benefit should apply at www.FloridaJobs.org and will be considered for all existing programs, including PUA.
The DEO Reemployment Assistance Application Guide page includes links to apply for benefits, videos, and FAQs.
Updates:
Governor Ron DeSantis has directed DEO to continue waiving the work search and work registration requirements for claimants for an additional 90 days. These requirements will continue to be waived through December 5, 2020
Additionally, the waiting week requirement will continue to be waived through December 5, 2020
The Department is working diligently to implement the necessary technology changes to ensure eligible Floridians receive the Lost Wages Assistance (LWA) Program benefits as quickly as possible. The LWA program will allow Florida to offer an additional $300 per week to eligible Reemployment Assistance claimants. To be eligible for this benefit, claimants must have a weekly benefit amount of at least $100 in an approved Reemployment Assistance program and must certify that they are unemployed or partially unemployed due to COVID-19. Payments will be retroactive to the week ending August 1, 2020.
The Florida DEO has created a mobile-friendly application site. Floridians who do not have a current open Reemployment Assistance claim should complete their application on the new website.
State Reemployment Assistance Claims Dashboard
The State Reemployment Assistance Claims Dashboard is updated daily to reflect the following information:
The dashboard now includes claimant filings by county and industry sector.
Florida Department of Health: COVID-19 Data and Surveillance
Dashboard
What you need to know now about COVID-19 in Florida from the Department of Health
The Department of Revenue encourages all taxpayers to conduct their business through online services. In addition, DOR has issued emergency orders pertaining to property tax and sales tax due dates.
Florida’s Division of Emergency Management (DEM) is seeking the assistance of Florida manufacturers and suppliers to fill the needs of Florida’s hospitals and emergency care services during the COVID-19 pandemic, including N95 masks, face shields and gowns. N95 masks are a current priority.
As part of the state’s Reemployment Assistance programs,the Short-Time Compensation program for employers pays partial benefits to groups of employees working reduced hours. Employers may elect to participate in this program to retain valued employees by reducing hours for an entire group of employees instead of resorting to temporary layoffs.
Currently not accepting applications. If you have previously applied, check your application status.
DEO will continue to review all applications that are received online or postmarked by Monday, April 13, 2020. DEO and its Emergency Bridge Loan partners will continue to quickly and efficiently review, approve and provide loans to Florida businesses affected by the economic impacts of COVID-19 until available funds are expended.
Please complete this survey if your small business has been impacted. This is not an application for disaster assistance but helps state officials determine the impact and need for federal and state assistance.
Per Governor DeSantis' executive order 20-91, all persons in Florida shall limit their movements and personal interactions outside their home to only those necessary to obtain or provide essential services or conduct essential activities. Review the list of essential businesses and services.
Enterprise Florida Inc. will suspend initial fees for its Microfinance Guarantee Program to support Florida’s small business community impacted by COVID-19. EFI manages the Microfinance Guarantee Program designed to stimulate access to credit for entrepreneurs and small businesses by providing targeted loan guarantees to lenders made to such entrepreneurs and small businesses.
This is the State of Florida's eProcurement system designed to streamline interactions between vendors and state government entities that purchase goods and services, and provides a user-friendly Internet portal where vendors can register, receive information on upcoming bids, post information on products and services, and receive purchase orders electronically.
Below are updates from Volusia County government's public information network, job seeker services from CareerSource Flagler Volusia, and links to employment search sites.
Business Assistance Hours for questions regarding the grant application are Mon-Fri 8am-5pm.
County and municipality phone numbers and web links for business tax receipts
On June 16, the Volusia County Council approved a $3 million grant program to assist home-based businesses in the county that have sustained financial impacts from the coronavirus crisis.
For home-based businesses that meet the eligibility criteria, they can qualify for a one-time grant of $1,500. The $3 million allocation is enough to provide 2,000 grants, which will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.
Businesses must be based out of Volusia County, have the equivalent of 50 or fewer full time employees and show a minimum of $6,000 in gross income or gross receipts on their most recent tax return. The businesses also must certify that they’ve suffered at least $1,500 in financial impacts due to the COVID-19 pandemic. For those that receive a grant, the money can be used to offset the negative financial impact they experienced and to help defray the cost of reopening or relaunching their business.
Please have ALL of the below listed documents available BEFORE beginning the application process. Incomplete applications will be denied.
BEFORE YOU START the application process, be sure that you have the following documentation in electronic format - ready to upload:
Based on how your business tax return is filed, the W9 form needs to be completed accurately, otherwise it WILL be rejected and WILL cause a delay in processing your grant.
If you are a sole proprietor, the W9 form needs your name on Line 1, the business name on Line 2 and your social security number.
If you file a separate corporate tax return, the W9 needs the legal name of the business on Line 1 and the EIN number.
The W9 form MUST be signed and dated.
On Tuesday, June 16, 2020 the County Council approved a $1 million allocation of recovery funds to provide businesses with some of the protective equipment they need to ensure the safety of employees and customers. Distributing the protective equipment is designed to aid in the development of a resilient community plan to mitigate the impacts of COVID-19 while health and medical experts continue working on a coronavirus treatment or vaccine.
Under the plan, the county has purchased the protective equipment in bulk quantities and then local chambers of commerce will assemble approximately 7,000 supply kits. A first round of kits were distributed at six locations around the county in early July. The distribution plan has been coordinated through the Volusia County Chamber Alliance.
A second round of PPE kits will be distributed through the Volusia County Chamber Alliance from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on dates and locations as follows:
PPE kits include: Masks, hand sanitizer and cleaning solution. Businesses may receive one kit and must prove eligibility with a business card indicating they represent a Volusia County business, as well as sign that they received the product. Businesses may visit any site.
The County of Volusia is allocating up to $10 million in emergency relief to support local businesses with a commercial presence within the County who have been negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Funds are available as part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security ("CARES") Act federal stimulus package. As a part of that relief, the County is offering emergency financial support through the Relaunch Volusia: Small Business Reopening Grant Program on a first come first serve basis.
Qualifying businesses may be eligible to receive a one-time Reopening Grant Program grant (“Grant”) of $3,000 for businesses that have 25 employees or less or $5,000 for businesses that have between 26 and 50 employees to help them recover from the negative financial consequences resulting from the COVID19 pandemic and relaunch their Volusia County business.
In accordance with the requirements of Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (“ADA”), the County of Volusia ("County") will not discriminate against qualified individuals with disabilities on the basis of disability in its services, programs, or activities. For example, the County will generally, upon request, provide appropriate aids and services leading to effective communication for qualified persons with disabilities so they can participate equally in County programs, services, and activities, including qualified sign language interpreters, documents in Braille, and other ways of making information and communications accessible to people who have speech, hearing, or vision impairments. If you are a qualified individual with a disability that needs a reasonable accommodation/modification, you can contact the ADA Liaison for the Relaunch Volusia: Small Business Reopening Grant Program at: 386-248-8048, Press 6 for Heather Edwards. Identifying the appropriate reasonable accommodation/modification is a cooperative process that will be evaluated on an individual basis.
On May 26, the Volusia County Council approved a $2.5 million grant program to assist nonprofit agencies in the county that have sustained financial impacts from the coronavirus crisis. Qualifying nonprofits may apply for a one-time assistance grant. Qualifying nonprofits that have up to 25 full-time employees or the part-time equivalent may be eligible to receive a one-time grant of $3,000. Qualifying nonprofits with 26 or more full-time employees or the part-time equivalent may be eligible for a one-time grant of $5,000. Assistance will be issued on a first-come, first-served basis.
Volusia County’s Purchasing Division invites Local Businesses to Learn How to Do Business with Volusia County.
Learn about:
•Registering as a vendor
•Submitting bids, proposals and quotes
•State and local ordinances relevant to working with the county
The webinars will occur on the following dates:
Wednesday, August 26 - 5:30 to 7 p.m.
Register at: www.tinyurl.com/y4cqqcq6
Thursday, August 27 - 9 to 10:30 a.m.
Register at: www.tinyurl.com/yyuknh9c
For more information, call 386-736-5935, ext. 12490
Stay up to date with COVID-19 related news and emergency information via Volusia County’s public information network.
Posted On: May 22, 2020
Short-term vacation rentals in Volusia County got the green light early Friday evening to reopen after the state approved Volusia’s safety plan that the rental businesses must follow to ensure the welfare of their guests....
Volusia County Government will host briefings four times a week at the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) to provide the public with updated COVID-19 information. The briefings will begin Monday, April 27 and take place at 2 p.m. every Monday, Wednesday Thursday and Friday.
The daily briefings will include updates from representatives of Volusia County Government as well as featured guests from local agencies. No EOC briefings are scheduled for Tuesdays because the County Council is receiving weekly briefings every Tuesday in meetings that are publicly accessible.
The briefings at the Emergency Operations Center, 3825 Tiger Bay Road, Daytona Beach, are open to the media and will be streamed live on the Volusia County Emergency Management Facebook
Volusia County hosts panel discussions to provide information to the community about financial assistance that’s available to businesses that have been negatively impacted by the COVID-19 crisis.
Find virtual services such as career guidance, resume review, job placement assistance, and more. Utilize online resources such as job searching, creating or updating a resume, and accessing career information.
For job seekers and employers , discover great jobs in Florida by visiting EmployFlorida.com.
Sign up to receive Volusia County Division of Economic Development's On the Economic Scene e-newsletter.
For the most up to date information from our city partners, click on the links to take you to each city's website.
For other business resources and information provided by your area's local Chamber, click on the links below.
This section includes business guidance and resources from OSHA and the CDC, supply chain disruption planning, potential grant opportunities, webinars, panel discussion and other relevant business information. This section will be updated as new information becomes available.
Do you need technology that helps you adapt to our new online world and meet demand after disruption strikes? Are you trying to digitize your business quickly but don't know where to start?
Taylor Short and Sam Bonanno from Software Advice will walk you through easy and stress-free ways to help you find the right software to get your business online fast. They’ll answer 3 critical questions you should think about as you adopt the right software for your business:
What problem do I need to solve with software?
How do I choose the right software for my business?
How can I purchase software efficiently?
You’ll get actionable tips for identifying the biggest challenges with current software, what to look for when evaluating multiple products, and how to accurately calculate the total cost of adopting new technology.
The webinar will take place at 1p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 22
Whether you’re a restaurant, salon, real estate office or other business owner, Duke Energy recognizes that many of our business customers are facing unusual and unexpected hardships as a result of this pandemic.
That’s why Dike Energy has relaxed its timelines for payment arrangements, making it easier and more convenient for you to set up a plan. You can make your request quickly and easily online.
Professional guidance is being offered for small business customers to help analyze their energy usage, discuss energy rates and identify solutions to help lower their energy bills at fl.bec@duke-energy.com.
For questions, call 877-372-8477.
MINORITY-OWNED BUSINESSES MAY BE ELIGIBLE FOR A $15,000 GRANT.
Citizens will award 100 minority-owned businesses with grants of $15,000 each, a total of $1.5 million overall.
To apply, a business must be:
· At least 51% minority owned, operated and controlled by an Asian American, Black American, Hispanic American or Native American
· Either a Citizens Bank Business Banking account holder or, if not a Citizens customer, based within our 11-state footprint
· In business for at least one year, with annual revenue of no more than $1 million
Eligible businesses can submit a statement (up to 150 words) describing how they would use the grant to strengthen and sustain both their business and their community.
Entry deadline is Aug. 7, 2020 at 5:00 PM ET.
Enterprise Florida offers grants for Virtual Business Matchmaking to help Florida companies expand overseas and keep their business growing. As market disruptions bring forth new ways of doing business, the Virtual Business Matchmaking program is one way Enterprise Florida is helping the state’s small and medium-sized companies.
Virtual Business Matchmaking includes virtual introductions via teleconference or videoconference with up to five interested agents, distributors, or partners in various given target markets who have been pre-screened and pre-qualified.
The Restaurant Association has developed a best practices guide in preparation of reopening.
Local manufacturers provide some best practices that may be able to be implemented in other business environments.
This FEMA guidance summarizes how organizations should consider and manage their personal protective equipment (PPE) needs while ensuring the protection of workers during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic response.
Access the FloridaMakes network online to review a checklist of current or suspected future supply chain disruptions considerations.
Connex Florida is a supply chain database tool for the manufacturing industry in Florida made possible through a partnership between the Associated Industries of Florida, Space Florida and FloridaMakes.
Business owners now have online access to the CDC’s Resuming Business Toolkit. The toolkit is designed to assist employers in slowing the spread of COVID-19 and lowering the impact in their workplace when reintegrating employees into non-healthcare business settings.
The toolkit includes an Employer Sheet to introduce employers to the contents of the toolkit; a Restart Readiness Checklist to help make resuming business operations safe; a Worker Protection Tool to identify protective measures for workers; a Returning to Work Infographic to remind employees how to protect themselves; and a resources list of information using hyperlinks, URLs and QR codes.
The CDC has provided interim guidance for businesses on how to plan, prepare and respond to Coronavirus Disease 2019 including preparing workplaces for the outbreak, reducing transmission among employees and how to maintain healthy business operations.
To ensure continuity of operations of essential functions, CDC advises that critical infrastructure workers may be permitted to continue work following potential exposure to COVID-19, provided they remain asymptomatic and additional precautions are implemented to protect them and the community.
Guidance on Preparing Workplaces for COVID-19 from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
During an infectious disease outbreak, such as the current outbreak of COVID-19, small business owners must prepare for disruption in their business as well as prepare to protect their employees’ health and safety in the workplace.
What is the Safer at Home Order and how does it pertain to my business?
