Orange County officials announce grant program to help businesses still affected by COVID-19

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings says some local small businesses are still feeling the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

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To help, the county has launched a new “Boost” program through the American Rescue Plan Act to make $26-million in grant funding available to those affected the most.

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Businesses that fit the criteria could get up to $10,000 to use on things like employee wages and rent.

Demings says challenges like retaining employees and rising costs are still a problem three years later and federal aid hasn’t been enough to keep businesses afloat.

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“It did not put them in a position to sustain themselves going forward,” Demings said. “They continue to struggle, continue to have challenges.”

Any business owner who thinks they might qualify is encouraged to apply.

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County officials say the data gathered through that process can help them better gauge how to help other people in the future.

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