Local

Grant program looks to boost small businesses in Orlando

ORLANDO, Fla. — The COVID-19 pandemic has been a trying time for many small businesses.

Many businesses have had a hard time staying open, let alone thinking of expanding.

Now thanks to Orlando’s business assistance program many small businesses are getting a boost

>>> STREAM CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS LIVE <<<

Juliana Calloway, owner of Black Rooster Taqueria, expanded her business thanks to help from the program.

“It’s been great. It’s been a crazy time to open a second location to say the least,” Calloway said.

Read: Daylight saving time: When do we turn our clocks forward?

Calloway was able to take advantage of a matching grant program designed to encourage small businesses to locate, expand or redevelop in the City of Orlando.

The program is designed offset impact, development and transportation fees businesses are required to pay within the city’s jurisdiction.

Read: Rents reach ‘insane’ levels across Florida and US with no end in sight

Calloway said those costs add up to thousands of dollars.

Money, that she otherwise would have had to pay herself.

Read: ‘Are you okay?’: Starbucks barista helps protect high school girl approached by stranger

“Honestly, I don’t know if we could’ve opened up without the help of the city,” she said.

More information on the City of Orlando’s Business Assistance Program can be found here.

Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.

Matt Reeser

Matt Reeser, WFTV.com

Matt Reeser joined WFTV in 1998 as a news photographer and has worked for television stations in Kentucky and West Virginia.

0