Orange County to offer small businesses up to $10K in federal funding next week

ORLANDO, Fla. — Applications will be taken next week for small businesses in Orange County to get up to $10,000 from federal funding through the coronavirus relief bill (CARES Act).

Orange County leaders said it could help about 6,500 small businesses replenish some of their lost income due to the coronavirus pandemic shutdown.

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The money can be used to cover normal business expenses, including employee wages, vendor bills and rent to help offset the loss of revenue.

Qualifying commercial businesses must have a physical location and employ 25 people or fewer, including the owner.

Home businesses with three to 25 employees, not including the owner, which are legally allowed to operate within their jurisdiction can qualify.

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The small businesses must be for-profit and not publicly traded.

They had to have closed due to COVID-19 and they cannot have received funds from insurance or reimbursement from any federal program related to the crisis, such as PPP, and must commit to several safety guidelines.

Businesses must also practice social distancing, wear protective face coverings, - conduct health screenings - including temperature checks for all staff and wash hands frequently.

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If the business has unpaid code enforcement liens, or if the owner has been involved with financial mismanagement, the business will be disqualified.

People who have lost their jobs or been furloughed during this time can also apply for $1,000 grants.

Directions for that are on the county’s website.

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