The online application portal for the Recover Manatee Safety First Small Business Grant Program opens Tuesday.
Applications will be accepted until July 24 or until 500 applications have been received. No paper applications will be accepted.
The purpose of the Safety First Small Business Grant Program is to provide assistance to small businesses that were severely impacted by the Governor’s Executive Orders (Safer at Home Act) to implement safety measures to re-open safely for their employees and customers, the program's website says.
Grants of up to $5,000 will be issued to eligible applicants. Funds can be used for re-opening sanitation and safety supplies, including personal protective equipment (PPE); signage; marketing; outdoor seating; inventory and materials; equipment and supplies; and software.
Eligible businesses must fit the following criteria:
- Has recorded losses related to the Governor’s Safer at Home Order
- Up to 15 full-time equivalent employees (FTE)
- Located in Manatee County (all municipalities are included)
- Not operating as a non-profit, or not-for-profit
- Does not have code and/or regulation violations that have resulted in outstanding fines or liens
- Does not have unpaid utility bill
- Has not received any awards from the SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) and/or Paycheck Protection Program (PPP)
- Is registered with the State of Florida, or can provide Department of Revenue filing, or can provide IRS Forms 941, W3, or 1120
- Not home-based, unless a home-based childcare business
During the application process, you will be required to upload the following to the online portal:
- Current IRS Forms 941, W3, or 1120
- Active State of Florida Business registration (Sunbiz documents), license or other documentation (sole proprietor statement - save to your computer and fill out/sign)
- Last paid utility bill
- Profit and Loss Statement or Affidavit of business loss (save PDF to your computer and fill out/sign) with two comparable bank statements
- Completed W9 Form
- Applicant Photo ID
You will be required to provide the Parcel ID for your business. Search the address on the Resident Information Tool and the parcel ID number will be listed in the first box under the address.
For more information and to apply for the grant, click here.
