Based on feedback from applicants, Osceola County is streamlining the Business Assistance Grant Program to make it even easier for businesses to apply.
Details of the new grant are available on the www.weveopenedsafely.com. The new criteria utilizes four categories instead of employee count and offers a flat amount ranging from $5,000 to $75,000.
Any completed applications already received by our office but have not been processed for payment will be reviewed under these new grant criteria.
This grant continues to provide critical support to help offset a portion of operational costs during the global COVID-19 pandemic, as well as, costs incurred in resuming operations while ensuring guest and staff safety.
Eligible applicants may receive emergency funding, based on the following categories:
·Home-based (including Home-based non-profits and businesses operating in Business Incubators): $5,000
·Vacation Home: $5,000 ($5,000 total grant, regardless on the number of units owned)
·Food Trucks: $5,000
·“Brick & Mortar” businesses and non-profits (operating in a commercial space):
-2,500 square foot or less - $10,000
-2,501 – 7,500 square feet or less - $20,000
-7,501 – 20,000 square feet- $40,000
-20,001 square feet and above - $75,000
Who is eligible?
Applicants must meet the below criteria:
• Locally owned and independently operated businesses physically located in Osceola County, including businesses within city limits of Kissimmee and St. Cloud,
• Independently owned and operated franchises (not corporate owned stores) are eligible.
• Business must be at least 51 percent owned by a Florida resident.
• Home-based businesses will be required to certify that the applicant has not received, nor will seek to receive assistance from, any Mortgage Assistance Program through Osceola County.
• Home-based businesses and Food Trucks must have been in operation for at least six (6) months prior to submitting a grant application.
• Owners of multiple businesses, all independent of each other and operating from different addresses can apply separately, one grant per business.
• Owners of one business that has multiple locations, must combine the square footage of all locations and apply for one grant.
• Owners of multiple businesses operating at the same business address must combine the square footage occupied by all businesses and apply for one grant.
• Applicants must complete the Economic Damage Assessment Survey (https://floridadisaster.biz/businessdamageassessments)
• Applicants must register the business through We’ve Opened Safely website (https://www.weveopenedsafely.com/), and commit to adhere to safety best practices.
• Applicants must be current on all County taxes, assessments and fees.
• Applicants must have no outstanding Life/Safety Code Enforcement violations or be actively. engaged with the County’s Code Enforcement to remedy the delinquency or violation within 12 months.
Applications under this program will be processed in the order they are received while funds last. Priority in processing and/or disbursement may be given to owners that have not received Federal and/or State dollars in support of these initiatives and to owners that are also Osceola County residents. This is a grant, not a loan, therefore repayment is not required unless funds are not used for eligible expenses. Grants may be considered taxable income, so please contact your financial advisor for guidance.
What is needed to apply?
Business applications must include the following documentation:
• Completed Application Form.
• Provide a statement regarding how Covid-19 is negatively impacting the businesses revenue/operations.
• Current Osceola County’s Business Tax Receipt
• State of Florida business registration from the Florida Division of Corporation (sunbiz.org) noting an “ACTIVE” status.
• Current W-9
• Brick and Mortar businesses must provide proof of ownership such as a mortgage statement or a valid lease agreement (if place of business is leased), and documentation of the square footage of the business
• Applicants must complete the Economic Damage Assessment Survey (https://floridadisaster.biz/businessdamageassessments)•
• Applicants must register the business through We’ve Opened Safely website (https://www.weveopenedsafely.com/), and commit to adhere to safety best practices. Any other documentation deemed necessary by Osceola County to support the application for assistance through the Emergency Economic Relief Grant Program.
