Manatee County is ready to distribute millions of dollars in COVID-19 relief
A series of informational sessions are planned for local businesses and residents to apply for up to $70 million in COVID-19 relief funds.
Manatee County government will host virtual meetings across several days in July, giving those affected by the pandemic a chance to receive financial assistance. The Board of County Commissioners recently approved a plan for distributing the $17.5 million the county has received so far.
The first meeting, scheduled for 9 a.m. Thursday, is reserved for small businesses. Eligible businesses could receive grants of up to $5,000.
Business owners with 15 employees or fewer are eligible for a one-time grant that can be used to pay for equipment and supplies needed to help with reopening.
For example, the grant can pay for signage, personal protective equipment and outdoor seating to comply with social distancing guidelines.
A similar meeting will be held on 9 a.m. Friday. Hospitals, nonprofits and other agencies are encouraged to attend in order to learn how they can apply for CARES Act funds that can be used to cover the costs of COVID-19 testing, personal protective equipment, sanitation training and more.
A third meeting will be held later this month for residents who need help with bills, mortgage payments and other financial hardships caused by the coronavirus pandemic.
The county plans to allocate the funding as follows:
- Public Health/Safety — 30 percent.
- Economic Recovery — 30 percent.
- Community Health and Wellbeing — 30 percent.
- Government and Community Facilities — 10 percent.
Visit www.MyManatee.org/ManateeCares for more information.
This story was originally published July 6, 2020 at 4:00 PM.
