Has your small business been impacted by COVD-19? If so, Volusia County has committed over $10 million to help support the small businesses who may qualify with emergency relief. To qualify for these funds your business cannot be a publicly-traded company or a tax-exempt organization. It must have a “brick and mortar” (i.e., physical location) within the county, have 50 employees or less, and be licensed to operate in the state of Florida and Volusia County. The documentation to apply for these funds is minimal and will need to be uploaded to your application here.

These economic development funds are available to all industries across the county including agricultural and natural resources businesses. The amount of grant funds received by each business will vary based on the number of individuals the business employees. For example, qualifying businesses that have 25 employees or less may be eligible to receive a one-time Reopening Grant of $3,000 whereas businesses that have between 26 and 50 employees may be eligible to receive a one-time Reopening Grant of $5,000.

Our recent UF/IFAS Extension study on the economic impacts of COV-19 on local agricultural and natural resources industries indicates there is a need for this type of cash infusion into our local businesses. We highly encourage these industries to take advantage of this rather simple process to secure funding to relaunch your business.

The Volusia County Council has committed to funding this program again if the $10 million in funds are expended. If you have any questions about how to get started or general questions about these economic development funds or the application process reach out to Dr. Brad Burbaugh with UF/IFAS Extension Volusia County.

0