DEADLINE TO APPLY FOR ALL GRANTS IS DECEMBER 11
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
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 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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
View the latest orders and information from office of the Governor of Florida.
This website consists of links to various State of Florida sites for immediate information related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Florida Department of Health: COVID-19 Data and Surveillance
Dashboard
Governor Ron DeSantis, and the Florida Department of Education (FDOE) announced the launch of Get There Florida, a new workforce education initiative aimed at raising awareness of short-term but high-value career and technical education programs.
The initiative highlights the key benefits of rapid credentialing programs available to Floridians at the 28 Florida College System institutions and the 48 technical colleges and centers across Florida. Programs include advanced manufacturing, transportation and logistics, healthcare, and information technology.
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.
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.
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:
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
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 may be retroactive to the weeks ending August 1, 2020- August 22, 2020. No additional application is necessary.
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.
Review these FAQs regarding the essential services executive order.
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.
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.
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
Q. If governments use Fund payments as described in the Fund Guidance to establish a grant program to support businesses, would those funds be considered gross income taxable to a business receiving the grant under the Internal Revenue Code (Code)?
Q. If governments use Fund payments as described in the Fund Guidance to establish a loan program to support business, would those funds be considered gross income taxable to a business receiving the loan under the Code?
DEADLINE TO APPLY IS DECEMBER 11
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 with the correct taxpayer identification number, otherwise it WILL be rejected and WILL cause a delay in processing your grant.
The W9 form MUST be signed and dated.
DEADLINE TO APPLY IS DECEMBER 11
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.
DEADLINE TO APPLY IS DECEMBER 11
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.
Stay up to date with COVID-19 related news and emergency information via Volusia County’s public information network.
Operating out of its vast manufacturing facility in DeLeon Springs, Sparton has been a good neighbor, a good corporate citizen and one of Volusia County’s largest private-industry employers for more than 50 years. For Sparton and the local community, being socially responsible takes on added significance given the company’s close proximity to a delicate watershed that includes the natural spring at DeLeon Springs State Park about a mile away. And that’s why Sparton’s recent overhaul of its onsite wastewater disposal system to a more environmentally-friendly treatment plant was cause for celebration. And it all happened with the help of a grant from the county – an investment in Sparton, the local economy and the protection of precious water resources.
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.
The Center for Business & Industry offers short-term training, workshops, seminars and courses to better prepare organizations and workers to compete and thrive in a global economy.
Upskilling is a definitive comment on a company’s belief in and commitment to a better future. Seeing an economic downturn for the opportunities it affords is difficult. But choosing to find those opportunities is a winning strategy for businesses and their workforces.
To learn more on how CBI can help, contact Frank Mercer at Frank.Mercer@DaytonaState.edu or call 386-506-4461.
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.
Saturday, November 28, 2020 is Small Business Saturday – a day to celebrate and support small businesses and all they do for their communities. This year, we know that small businesses need our support now more than ever as they navigate, retool and pivot from the effects of the coronavirus pandemic. Please join the SBA and organizations across the country in supporting your local small businesses by shopping at a small business.
With Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, and Cyber Monday in November kicking off the holiday shopping season, now is a good time for small businesses to boost sales. This year, 60% of consumers plan to do half or more of their winter holiday shopping at local retailers. Capitalize on this growth opportunity by using these marketing strategies this holiday season.
During this intensive, 5-session bootcamp, you will identify and start to deeply understand your customer(s), build confidence in your offering and the problem you are solving, and learn how to effectively communicate your value proposition. This bootcamp will be 100% virtual and sessions will be conducted on the Microsoft Teams platform.
When:
January 24th, 1pm - 4pm ET
February 5th, 1pm - 4pm ET
February 12th, 1pm - 4pm ET
February 19th, 1pm - 4pm ET
February 26th, 1pm - 4pm ET
Where:
All sessions will be facilitated virtually on the Microsoft Teams platform.
Bootcamp Fee: $59 per team/company
Nolo.com, a legal guides website, has compiled a top eight coronavirus business survival tips list. While a lot is unknown about the future of the virus and the economy, there are steps you can take to adapt your business to the current reality. The key steps involve reducing unnecessary expenses and discovering new ways to increase your revenue while keeping your employees, customers, and community safe. The tips include staying informed on the latest updates, adapt your business, explore financial resources, review contracts and leases, review staffing needs, examine expenses, create a safe working environment and keep communication flowing with customers and your community.
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.
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?
DEADLINE TO APPLY IS DECEMBER 11
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.
