Federal COVID-19 funds to help Manatee businesses reopen safely. Here’s how to apply
A new program is giving small business owners the chance to receive a grant of up to $5,000 to help safely reopen amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Employers with 15 or fewer full-time employers are eligible to apply for relief money. The money is available to certain businesses throughout Manatee County, including local municipalities.
“Manatee County has been significantly impacted by COVID-19,” said Geri Lopez, director of Manatee County government’s Redevelopment and Economic Opportunity Department. “We want to put the right programs in place to help our economy recover but do so in a very safe way.”
County staff held an informational session Thursday morning to detail the application process. According to Lopez, the county will consider 500 grant applications beginning July 14. Applications will be accepted until July 24 or as soon as 500 applications are submitted.
If additional funding becomes available, the county says it will open up a second round of grant applications.
According to the program guidelines, businesses that receive grant funding can use the money to purchase different kinds of equipment to help bounce back from COVID-19. Examples include advertising, signage, outdoor seating and personal protective equipment for their employees.
However, businesses that have already received loans as part of the Paycheck Protection Program or the Small Business Administration’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan program are not eligible. In the first round of grants, home-based businesses will not receive funding, unless they are childcare services.
As part of the application process, businesses will be required to provide the following documentation:
- Profit and loss statement or affidavit of business loss with two comparable bank statements.
- Applicant photo ID.
- Current IRS forms, 941, W3 or 1120.
- Last paid utility bill.
- Active State of Florida Business registration (Sunbiz documents), license or other documentation.
- Completed W9 form.
A second informational session will be held Friday morning to explain how nonprofits and hospitals can apply for funding through the CARES Act. The county is also planning to host a session meant to provide more details about how residents can apply for mortgage and bill assistance through the CARES Act.
So far, Manatee County has received $17.5 million to distribute throughout the community.
For more information, visit www.MyManatee.org/ManateeCares. The county has also set up contact lines for specific questions at RecoverManatee@mymanatee.org or (941) 745-6271.
This story was originally published July 9, 2020 at 2:39 PM.
